[Krsqk]

I think it comes down to two problems:

1) Parents don't protect their kids from things they should, and
2) Parents protect their kids from things they shouldn't.

Germs/dirt? Evilwickedbad. Break out the hand sanitizer and Lysol.
Sex? Oh, let 'em make their own choices. They need all the available information to decide, even if they are just 5.
Chores? Avoid like the plague. You wouldn't want to warp them by holding them personally responsible for helping at home.
Profanity? Why not? The little buggers are just expressing themselves.
Restricting activities or friends? You can't do that! You have no right to decide what's right or wrong for your child!
Immediate gratification of all desires? Well, they deserve it, don't they? After all, it helps make up for the fact you're never home.