At Least I Held My Tongue

 While I was waiting in line to pick up my bountiful basket I encountered an interesting woman.  We were supposed to line up alphabetically.  Which meant I left the back of the line and moved forward quite a bit.  When I arrived at the front, the woman first in line an I began a conversation.  We were speculating why we were forced to wait outside well after the appointed time for pick-up.  If we are not on time then our food is donated to the local fire department.  So as we sat shivering we speculated why the doors were locked.  The subject of wild children came up.  She announced that children need to be trained to stay be their parents.  I agreed, but also suggested that a baby cannot be expected to not wander.  She then announced that she had worked at a crisis nursery for six years and knew all about wandering children.  I did not mention that I had also worked at a crisis nursery, and knew just as much as she about neglected children.  She suggested a leash; I countered that some children will not wear them.  She said that suggested a lack of training.  I said, "Yes, but they all come to earth with their own personalities."  Around and around we went; her implying that I was not a high quality parent because I let my children be children.  Good thing the doors opened before I lost it and was really rude.  We were both very polite and yet the feeling that I got from her was there are infinite ways to be a bad parent, but only one way to be a good one, hers.  I left feeling judged and felt sorry for her that she had no room for differences.
 So, speak up.  Are you a leash toting nazi, or do you let your kids' differences shine through as you gently teach them how to be the best they can be?