Why do adults automatically assume the worst of children?

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My first day of kindergarten is a blur to me. The only thing I can remember is that I almost missed my ride home. I didn't understand the teacher when she said that "walkers and riders should leave now." So, I kept sitting in the circle waiting for her to call my name so I could go out and get into my moms car to go home. Being four years old, I didn't know I was a rider, as she put it. I'd never heard that word before. Finally my older brother who was in the class next door came into the room and got me. My mom barked at me in the car for being late. She was upset all the way home. She didn't bother asking why I'd been late. Everyone just assumed that I had done it on purpose. Even though I hadn't known I was supposed to leave. Believe me, I was more scared than anyone. Being four years old, I imagined that they would lock me up in the school room overnight if I didn't leave. That's kid thinking for you. I never understood why the adults in the situation (both my mom and teacher) didn't have a little more mercy on me, and try to understand that I was just a scared little kid in an unfamiliar situation. Here's something I wish parents and adults would understand, just because they have mastered everything doesn't mean that little kids have. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been unfairly judged by your parents or teachers for not understanding something? Have they simply assumed the worst of you without giving you room to explain?