As much as I would love to think that a conversation would help, I wonder if what we need to be truly addressing is on a larger level, how to care for ourselves and how that impacts our youth on a larger scale. Offer meals, stipends, child care, and when you see something like this, you can offer this resource to a parent. Of course, this could be an initiative, not something YOU do solo! (I've been thinking along these lines in my area too, so wanted to share.) I think a one on one conversation could be beneficial, but could also cause the parent to act even more inappropriately toward the child. This isn't an easy question, but I appreciate you asking it. I am following to see if anyone else has ideas. @Erika Brosig, perhaps another initiative we can get going in our area?