Comments

1. publicity stunt

   I think there are 2 issues here. The first is the event in question. I think it's quite obvious to most that it was a publicity stunt, and I don't wish to engage it. The second issue is the idea that people (not just parents) think that blanket policies work for all children. We love creating "Zero Intelligence" (aka: "Zero Tolerance") to compensate for ineptitude in those with responsibility. It is impossible to decide whether "some nine year old" is capable of riding a subway alone. There are plenty of nine year olds who can handle the responsibility. Most probably cannot and should not, but you must not use the least common denominator as your indicator. I know people who are geniuses at programming, but do not possess the social prowess to handle a solo subway ride. The only thing that can result from casting judgment on children you have never met is mediocrity. Well, that's if anybody listens to you. Most likely you will just end up angry and frustrated.

   6 months, 3 weeks ago In response to America's Worst Mom?

2. Why pay pub prices?

   I'm not in favor of pretending that alcohol does not exist, or that I do not partake. I want my children to grow up with a healthy perception of the world around them... yada yada. What I don't understand is the parent who has no problem paying the price of a six-pack for each beer in a pub. Why not gather your friends in someone's home so that you can # Give your children a controlled environment in which to play. # Save some money to better provide for your child. I want to give my daughters the world. I quit thinking about my own needs when my first child started sleeping through the night. Come to think of it--every beer I've had since my first child was born has been given to me. I think that taking a child to a pub is irresponsible. Even visiting a pub is financially irresponsible for most parents, but so is Starbucks. How much different would your life be if you were to invest in a mutual fund all the money you spend indulging yourself? Think about it.

   7 months ago In response to Babies in the Bar

Define what responsibility means to you.