Services Let Parents Call Out for Child-Rearing Tips
It used to be that moms just phoned their own mothers for sorely needed advice on child rearing. Today, they call British child-care authority Penelope Leach.
Leach is one of nine child-rearing experts whose advice can be reached by dialing (900) 246-MOMS, a recorded service offered by the National Parenting Center.
“Parents today are really focused on being the best parents they can be,†said David Katzner, who recently formed the Woodland Hills-based service. “We’re sort of geared today to these one-minute bites.â€
Callers are asked to select an age group from a menu, which then cues them into an additional menu that lists tips on such subjects as thumb sucking, book recommendations and ear infections. Katzner, a producer for CBS news, said the nationwide service receives several hundred calls a day.
Parents also may leave specific questions after a tape’s conclusion, which will be answered in writing by one of the experts at no extra charge. The cost per call is $1.95 for the first minute and 95 cents for each additional minute. Tape transcripts are offered through the service’s monthly newsletter, which contains additional parenting tips for an annual fee of $9.95.
The Parent Connection, a similar service, was begun two years ago by Jayne Major, who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and education from UCLA.
“I feel that parents who are in the middle of stressful situations often need some quick advice,†said Major, who receives about 1,000 calls a month at the number (900) 976-4MOM.
Callers, who are charged 90 cents per call, also may choose from a list of advice on specific areas such as temper tantrums, how to avoid spanking, and understanding children’s thinking. A scenario is played out on the taped message (for example, a daughter who endures a spanking because she used mom’s makeup), and advice is given on how to handle the situation in alternate ways.
Burbank-based L.A. Parent magazine recently started an information line, (818) 842-KIDS, which lists events geared toward parents and children. “Parents can also leave a message if they need help in getting a referral to pediatricians or any other concern,†said Harry Jigamian, the magazine’s associate producer. “We’ll call them back.â€
Too tired to tell your child a bedtime story? The solution may be to call (900) MINI-MOM. “We have the best stories for just 80 cents a minute,†announces a recording of a child’s voice. “But you need your parents’ permission.â€
Deborah Stipek, professor of child development and education at UCLA, advises parents to keep calls to a minimum.
“Anything that substitutes the parental role is of dubious value, to me,†Stipek said. “A child benefits from shared, personal contact when being read to. It’s difficult to receive that from a phone earpiece.â€
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