Opinions Please.....

The Manager should have been aware enough to recognize the situation and handle it. Failing that, a Patron voicing their displeasure acts as a wake up call both for the Parents and the Manager.

I would have probably spoken to the Manager first and complained before voicing my displeasure, but I wasn't there and don't know what the circumstances were.

Therefore, I can't say if there was, or was not, a better way to handle it.
I can't give an honest opinion, as I can over react in situations like this. I can say, Rob did better than I would.