"National Lampoon's Alberta Vacation!" Good one, Jeff. That WAS a doozy of a dream, Meryl.
I was just at a kid's birthday party, and once again was aghast at the rough and rude way I sometimes see parents treat their really little kids. The kids were mostly my daughter's age, 4, still learning EVERYTHING. Manners, kindness, common sense, everything. Most times I have pretty much patience with her - if she forgets what kind of behavior is reasonable in a situation, I remind her. Sometimes she needs several reminders. But BLAM, some parents just seem to blast their kids, good kids, sweet kids, who just can't retain that you don't squeal, or grab, or whatever. They're LITTLE. The poor birthday girl was made to go into 2 of those stupid, fucking "Time outs" while her friends were playing, for such small misdemeanors. Sometimes it just seems like parents want to assert who's boss. Not for the good of the child, but for the domineering ego of the parent.
So I left the party, and will go pick my daughter and husband when they call.
I just want to say, that there was no violence, just power trips, mind games and domination. Things fully sanctioned by society.
I try to treat her with respect with every word out of my mouth, and her manners are just as good as, and sometimes better than, those kids who are being bullied by their giant parents.