Sick of reality parents

Am I the only person who is sick to death of seeing parents use their children for their own gains ? The Balloon Boy hoax, Jon and Kate plus 8, Octomommy ? I do not understand what makes these parents tick. Are these parents really that self-absorbed that they use their children to get what they want out of their lives ? How about this, we leave our children out of the stupid decisions all of us parents make, and we do the things that we think will make our lives better for our families. Leave our children out of it. Thanks, Peace