Children do not make the distinction, valid or not, between the church, the hall or the parking lot. They simply see their church doing what Jesus said was wrong. More recently, children have heard of the abuses that the clergy perpetrated upon children both in residential schools and churches. They hear about the sexual and physical abuse that took place over a period of many years and they wonder whom they can trust. And now, some churches are attempting to receive special consideration in making restitution because of financial hardship .
Many parents are the unwitting bad examples for their children.
Dad needs his relaxation. Mom has no time to colour with her daughter but there is time for the soap opera. Mom needs to relax. The child quickly learns how unimportant she is in comparison to her parents comfort. Frequently, gifts are the compensation for the parents lack of time with the children, particularly if the children can make the parents feel guilty, usually by misbehaving.