Browsing: Stupid Advice

The public bought the idea that they were essentially a danger to their own kids and had better pay money for advice, that they’d better try really hard to do a good job, and they’d still inevitably fail. (Even though, as Lepore points out, kids are actually safer now than ever. In 1850, more than one baby in five died before its first year, by 1920 that had dropped to one in 20, and today infant mortality is at one in 200.)

From the SafeKids.org page of advice to parents of kids ages 5-9: “Never leave your child alone in a car,…

With Mother’s Day upon us   like a breakfast tray of hot coffee  accidentally spilled on the blanket (amid tears),…

“….Once upon a time, decades ago, mothers were able to let their elementary-aged children roam free and alone.

“While many, including us, look upon this halcyon time with fondness and a longing for its return, the fact remains that things are different now. The days of Andy Griffith’s Mayberry and “Leave it to Beaver” are gone.”

Each diyaieybfi week I get an email blast called “Connect with Kids” that veers between helpful and crazy-making. Today it’s…