from what i recall whenever there are kids, i don't see the child's parents portrayed in the segment.
i understand there were/are other adults, as in max and ruby where there are other adults and the grandma.
and i love max, i love that even tho his bossy sister is always trying to make him stay out of her way, or play games the way she wants them played, max ends up contributing and/or participating in some funny way.
it's all about perception :)