Joke or not, there's a great deal of truth to this with parents in their tweenage.
For instance, I recently found out the reason I hear my neighbors baby cry (they live above me at my apartment) is because they leave him home alone when they go out. Or did... I don't hear the kid cry much anymore... idk, it sounds pretty messed up and probably is.... I'll call the cops next time I hear the baby (2 yo) cry again.