Don't talk to my child like that!

I have always been the motherly type for as long as I can remember, many of the people I meet wind up giving me the nickname momma T. I enjoy being the one people can count on for good advice and sound counsel when they need it, but one thing I don't like is feeling compelled to speak to other people's children when out in public. If you have a child you should be mature enough to know when it is acceptable to play games...hide n go seek, tag, and racing games are awesome I used to take part in them as a child and even now that I'm a tad older I still enjoy these games....OUTSIDE. When you are in a public place I feel it is honestly necessary to have a handle on your own children. I have had to tell children: don't play on the escalator you'll get hurt, stop running on the ice you might fall, don't play in the water fountain, stop throwing food etc.... some parents appreciate the reprimands, while others are hostile and lack discipline themselves. I would be ashamed if I had  children throwing food around in a restaurant and I kept saying stop (with no authority and to no avail)  and a stranger walks up says the same thing and they stop. Sure it may be embarrassing but I would be grateful, to get upset at someone for helping you with your unruly children is crazy to me. I have been hit with toys, clothes, food and all kinds of things in stores and restuarants because parents don't know how to say no or stop and actually mean it. I love children and plan on having loads of fun with them but one thing people will never be able to say is that my children have no discipline. If you have a child and you know they are unruly it is YOUR fault. Reprimand them, say no when necessary and stop expecting teachers and day care providers to do what you should be doing at home. I am sick of parents blaming the world for their own stupidity. If your child can curse but can't read, knows all the words to the latest rap songs but doesn't know the alphabet, knows all about celebrities but doesn't know anything about his numbers SOMETHING IS WRONG...WAKE UP AND START BEING A PARENT before it's too late and somebody is reading their obituary, chiseling letters on their tombstone, or your trying to figure out how to pay for the mortgage and bail.