The Worst Form Of Parenting

As I listen to parents lamenting the awful behavior of their children - often followed by their reasoning of, "But I buy them everything they want." - I often wonder, Is this good parenting?

Think about it.
The Federal Government provides; food, shelter, clothing, schooling, medical care and a host of other services for those in need. (And for many who are just lazy.)
But how many of these people feel any form of love for the government?
How many of these people actually have any sort of relationship with the government?
Most of these people resent that on which they are dependent.

Can the same be said of children whose parents equate good gifts with good parenting?
Can the same be said of parents who spend more time at work (to be able to afford these good gifts) while leaving their children home alone to learn the social norms from television, friends and music which used to be learned from ones attendant parents?
Do these children suffer from having anything but a dependent/provider relationship with those who are they which these children are supposed to form personal relationships?
Do these children and parents actually "Know" their friends and coworkers better than those within their own families?
Why are these parents surprised when an outsider has more influence over their children than do they?

I like nice gifts.
Children like nice gifts.
But these nice gifts should never take the place of building nice relationships with ones children - otherwise - you're just the provider while your child will remain dependent.