Did I Just Hear That?

I was walking between the El Stop and the condo yesterday when this little kid (not quite waist high) runs out of the seating area of a sidewalk cafe. His father was right behind him and scooped him up. We were so close I could hear the father whisper into his son's ear, "What the fuck did you just do? Did you run away from me?"

My jaw cracked the sidewalk it dropped so fast.

I'm a non breeder so my opinions on child rearing should be taken with a block or two of salt. I personally think society shelters children far too much. "Think of the children" or "To protect the children" are completely over used concepts in life.

I'm no angel. I've never used "golly jeepers" when there is something stronger that could be used. However, I know when it is appropriate and when it is not. How is this kid going to learn what is appropriate when his father is directing it at him?