Do you think parenting has become shoddy in the past 20 years- if so, what caused this?

I was inspired by this thread. Please do read that thread as well to see where I’m coming from.

Most of the responses on that thread focus on what kids are doing to make them ‘icky.’ I’m of the mindset that it’s the parents who allow that ‘ickiness’ to develop, and that most kids are a product of their upbringing. I say most kids because I understand there are additional needs (Aspergers, ADHD, etc) that would allow for exceptions to the rule.

While working with kids over the last decade, I have seen a big change in how kids behave in school and towards each other. Recently, I saw 3 tween boys running around Michael’s opening kits, squirting paint, and knocking things off shelves while their parent stood placidly by and the manager ran around with a helpess, pained expression. That would never have happened 20 years ago. What happened?!?

A couple weeks ago, my family went to Olive Garden and two boys at the next table were allowed to scream, run around and climb the trellis. The kids’ fault? No, the parents whined and tried to negotiate with the boys the entire time. The manager didn’t do anything. This, again, would not have happened 20 years ago, so what has changed?

Has overall parenting gotten lazy? Has it become part of the ‘culture’ to be an overly permissive parent? If so, why do you think that’s the case? Where do you think this stems from?