Are we kid-friendly?

[populistmom]

Seriously, the shopping cart thing really got my attention, but I think it's more than just that. In order for us to appeal to a wide base, we need not marginalize those with families.
If many people here were to see me and make a snap judgement, they wouldn't dream that I have been a registered Democrat since 18, well educated, and passionately believe in liberal politics. However, I'm also 31, married since I was 19, regularly attend church, have 4 children, am a member of the PTA, and very feminine in how I dress, look, etc.
My oldest is an 11 year old and my younger three are boys ages 7, 5 and 2. It frequently seems like going places in public I can't win. It's either dirty looks from people when I have to be very strict with them (strict, but I'm not that "smack my kids at Walmart" type)or dirty looks if they step out of line and "annoy" someone with a whine or wimper. Just what do people think raising children is? It's constant guidance and teaching of people with less experience and more energy than yourself. My children have all been VERY hard when they are little, but once they hit school age (at least with my older two), they are great kids out in the world- smart, polite, lots of friends. BUT, it takes years though and lots of work. Will you see my 2 year old whine in the store?- Yes! He's 2, but give me a break okay? And give the thousands of other women out there a break! Especially those of us who have a bunch of kids not because were subjugated freeper wives, but because it was our choice and we're trying like heck to raise smart, informed people who will contribute something to this country.
Sorry if this comes off as defensive, but I am. Perhaps I need to be.

edited title slightly