I think one of the causes of poor parenting is that families are more spread out, people are more isolated in general, and you have fewer children. Back in the

I think one of the causes of poor parenting is that families are more spread out, people are more isolated in general, and you have fewer children. Back in the day when people had 3, 4, 5 kids, a lot of folks would remember younger siblings. If most of your parents' siblings all lived in the same town, you'd have lots of younger cousins, and see them often. If you went to church and were active in the community, you'd get to know a lot of parents and children all over town. All this exposure to your family's kids, other people's kids and other people's parenting styles would give people a basic education in what to do, and what not to do, by example. Personally, I've reached my current age without ever having to babysit or change a diaper. I don't know a thing about the practicalities of parenting. A lot of people are probably in the same boat. So it makes sense that some parents would be at a total loss and make poor decisions.