i was always overly reactive to my kids crying in public places...i was mortified that my kids would be interfering with someones space, almost to a fault. That said, to eball's point, there are way too many parents that think public spaces are there for them and their parenting skills. parents letting their toddlers walk and push a cart in a crowded supermarket, allowing their cute little angels to decide what kind of donut from the rows and rows of choices while the line behind them builds. I raised 3 and I was uber mindful of my surroundings and not impeding everyone else's daily activities.