Proper use of articles is the last thing on their minds.

Except for well thought out, carefully crafted, formal writing, grammar, in general, is not something we spend a lot of time thinking about. Besides, even if a parent is instructing a child on the first day of school, with no panic on the immediate horizon, I would expect to hear, "And remember, Ginette. Don't cross the street until the crossing guard says it's OK."