Unruly children

The problem with unruly children whose parents seem to think public places are playgrounds for unsupervised youngsters is so bad in some areas that stores have started posting warnings that children aren't allowed unless they are shopping with an adult.

While many parents and grandparents today can recall their own experiences of strict rules of conduct in public, particularly in the presence of parents, the fact is obnoxious children have always abounded. It does seem, however, that society's view of such behavior has changed to the point that more parents today intervene less often when their children misbehave.

As a result, many public places -- retail stores, parks and even churches, for example -- are heavily populated by children who should be under the control of an adult but aren't.

When asked their seating preferences in restaurants that still have smoking sections, many diners reply: "No children."

The exuberance of youth can be a joyful thing, but under certain circumstances it is both annoying and unwarranted. And, say some business owners, the behavior of some youngsters is downright destructive.

Parents who see that the behavior of their children won't be tolerated will surely get the message that they need to supervise their offspring. If not, they are likely to see more and more unfriendly reminders in public places.