I work with kids who have internalizing and externalizing problems. I see the family structure is often convoluted and very unstable. You see Jerry Springer and think it's awful and weird and whatnot, but these are the types of families I see very often. I see step-sons sleeping with their step-mother because she can't say no because she's been taught all her life you can't say no to males without severe repercussions. I've seen sons call their mom/other women b* and hit them, because he's modeling the way his father treats his mother. The father doesn't even realize it, and will tell you..."see, even my son knows she's a b*"
Do I wish many parents do learn at least the basic parenting techniques, especially to deal with difficult children? Yes, but, I don't automatically condemn a parent before knowing the full story. I think it is sad, since it's all too common, but children are complex, and one size parenting does not fit all. If this kid we saw on Dr. Phil was in a special behavioral/emotional classroom, he could also be picking up a lot of the behaviors from his classmates. I don't know. It just makes me really sad for this situation, it doesn't automatically make me condemn her for being a bad parent until I know more of the situation.