The thing of it is that the parents are sincere about bringing their children up that way. They honestly don't consider it disrespectful but more of an enlightened approach. I can't discuss the issue of children addressing teachers and relatives by their first name with my son and his wife without beginning an endless argument over what the psych books say. So I try and avoid it. So its not done out of carelessness in that hey genuinely believe it is best for the kids. They have read all the advantages of it in children't psychology books and magazines. Sometimes I think this idea of "progressiveness" isn't so hot. But what do I know.