Letters to the Editor
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The Industry of Parenting
Great reading. It evoked for me an image of that dad from the 'Wonder Years' TV series.
The tone of the article was irreverent yet thought provoking, and gives me hope that we are approaching a time when we start to wonder if permissive parenting is really such a good idea.
The trouble with the childhood Heather nostagically recalls, is that these kids (me included) have now grown up, and are the generation leading a backlash against their so-called emotionally impoverished upbringing. So now we find ourselves in a situation where child abuse is an ever widening circle, kids are obscene consumers and we parents feel quilty if we don't practice what research and experts reccommend. For example, do we opt for the settling routine of controlled crying, or do we worry that certain professionals are now arguing that letting children become emotionally distraught when left in their cots at bedtime causes long term damage?
And of course as with most social policy and conventions it is the more educated and affluent adults who are the ones with the time, money and inclination to implement 'child friendly and centred' parenting and who can afford the equipment, services and literature supporting this industry. Need I add that it is from this group of educated and affluent people, that arise the experts, researchers and health professionals who know the truth of the child and what must be done to nurture and protect it.
Bumbling Mother
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Trolling is beneath you, Heather.
I'm so disappointed in you Heather. You used to be so witty, so sparkling. You used to be able so get attention just with a clever turn of phrase. I remember you glory days as Polly Esther. Back then you didn't have to crudely poke a hornets nest to get more letters, you could reach out to your audience and get them to take you hand and skip along snarky lane right with you.
This sad little troll of yours... What a pity.
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Name Callling
I really have to say, your article cracked me up and I found myself nodding my head. I'm one of those politically correct people who doesn't approve of name calling, but I remember when we were all expected to survive less than perfect parenting, and even love and respect our parents in spite of it! I don't think it really did us much harm. I'm afraid that in many places we're raising a generation of hothouse flowers, unable to believe they aren't entitled to the very best of everything all the time.
A fascinating rant, Heather. Hope you don't get too much nasty mail about it!
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It's not the pig comment
I grew up with this kind of language on a daily basis. It does have lasting effect. I turned out OK, but it has taken a lot of therapy to get past it.
What upset me in hearing the tape was not him calling her a pig, it was the thinly veiled threat of physical harm, "I'm going to come out there and straighten you out." He didn't just berate her; he made her fear him. Not cool.
Also not cool to give the tape to the media. This poor girl has assholes for parents, both of them.