The thread was off right from the beginning and it is hard to see if it was meant to be a joke or not.

Actually kids are a joy, they bring fun and happiness into our lives. People who care for someone (kids or even animals) live statistically longer. I know from my own experience why this is the case: You will lose bad thoughts and negativity in a moment if your kid stands in front of you with all this naivety, asking for help, for an explanation.
It is the best thing that happens to people and probably the only meaning of life.

It is getting harder to understand after puberty. But before this it is easy to see why kids are doing certain things. It is part of their development to understand their own ability, to explore their capabilities. They often struggle with themselves and need our understanding.

The missing respectfulness of many youngsters has a lot of reasons. One of them is our own failure as parents. We have to back up consequent decisions, we have to be a good example. Many of us are not, say this, act the other way, pray this but don't live it. We are often weak and this produces uncertainty.
So, don't blame the kids for this. They want strong examples, want to admire us and follow a strong and good moral.