Brazelton (Part 1), The Basic Needs of Children

Summary

In this insightful episode of 'Policy Watch,' Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a renowned pediatrician and child development expert, joins host Doug Bazarov to discuss the challenges faced by new parents in dual-income families. Brazelton emphasizes the importance of respecting newborns' individuality and the impact of parental involvement on child development. He highlights the stressors modern parents face, such as balancing work and family life, and advocates for improved childcare and support systems to foster healthy child development and family dynamics.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The increasing need for dual-income families is a significant trend affecting childhood development and family dynamics.
• 👶 Dr. T. Berry Brazelton emphasizes the importance of respecting newborn babies and their individuality from the start, which was a groundbreaking concept in the 1950s.
• 👨‍⚕️ Pediatricians and child development experts like Dr. Brazelton are crucial in guiding parents to understand and respect their newborn's unique characteristics.
• 🏡 The home environment and the interaction between parents and children are vital for a child's development, more so than previously blamed parental shortcomings.
• 🤝 Dr. Brazelton highlights the importance of involving fathers in child care, challenging the traditional roles and encouraging a team approach between parents.
• 👩‍💼 The dual roles of women as successful professionals and primary caregivers at home create significant stress, affecting both parents and children.
• 🤱 The early attachment between parents and newborns is critical, and support systems, such as optimal childcare, are essential for this bonding process.
• 🌐 There is a notable difference in childcare quality and support for parents between the United States and other regions like Europe and Asia.
• 🚼 Institutional childcare often lacks the individualized care and attention that children need, with some programs not providing enough freedom and risk-taking opportunities for children.
• 💼 Employers have a role to play in supporting parents by providing flexible work arrangements and understanding the importance of family time and child development.
• 🌱 The emotional and physical well-being of parents, particularly new mothers, is crucial, and society should provide more support to help manage the stresses of modern parenting.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Norman and Florence Brodie Family Foundation?

The Norman and Florence Brodie Family Foundation is dedicated to exploring topics of national and international importance.

What is the significance of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale mentioned in the script?

The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale is a tool used to assess the behavior and physical responses of newborns, helping to capture parents' attention towards their babies and promoting early attachment.

How does Dr. T. Berry Brazelton describe the interaction between newborns and adults?

Dr. T. Berry Brazelton describes newborns as being highly interactive, responsive to voices, and capable of recognizing their parents' voices, which helps in building an early bond and connection.

What was the common misconception about children's development in the 1950s that Dr. Brazelton addresses?

In the 1950s, parents were often blamed for their children's developmental issues instead of considering the interaction between the child and the environment as the main potential for the baby's future.

Why does Dr. Brazelton emphasize the importance of respecting the newborn's individuality?

Dr. Brazelton emphasizes respecting the newborn's individuality because it helps parents understand their baby's unique characteristics and needs, which is crucial for proper nurturing and development.

What are some of the stressors that new parents face today according to Dr. Brazelton?

Some of the stressors new parents face include the dual roles of women in the workforce and at home, the need for dual income families, and the challenges of balancing work and family life.

What suggestions does Dr. Brazelton offer to support working parents?

Dr. Brazelton suggests that businesses should provide support to working parents, such as allowing time off for family events and providing recovery time from stress. At home, he recommends the use of a rocking chair as a calming center for family interactions.

How does Dr. Brazelton view the role of fathers in child development?

Dr. Brazelton views fathers as critical actors in child development and emphasizes the importance of including them in the child's caretaking process to foster a strong bond and support the child's growth.

What is Dr. Brazelton's perspective on the importance of early attachment between parents and their newborns?

Dr. Brazelton believes that early attachment is crucial for the child's development, self-esteem, and readiness to learn, and he encourages parents to make this initial bonding a priority.

Why does Dr. Brazelton advocate for improved childcare?

Dr. Brazelton advocates for improved childcare because he believes it should provide a supportive and nurturing environment that respects and cares for children, allowing them the freedom and independence needed for optimal development.

What does Dr. Brazelton suggest as a way for parents to cope with the stress of balancing work and childcare?

Dr. Brazelton suggests that parents should seek optimal childcare that respects and cares for their children, and also encourages parents to share the challenges and joys of parenting to maintain a strong family bond.

Outlines

00:00

👶 The Importance of Respecting Newborns

The first paragraph introduces Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a renowned pediatrician and child development expert, who emphasizes the importance of respecting newborns. He criticizes the 1950s approach that blamed parents for their children's issues and instead advocates for understanding the interaction between parent and child. Dr. Brazelton shares his experiences with newborns, highlighting their innate abilities to interact and connect with adults, particularly their parents. He discusses how these early interactions are crucial for a child's development and the parents' understanding of their child's individuality.

05:01

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Evolution of Parenting and Child Development

Paragraph two delves into the evolution of parenting and child development. Dr. Brazelton discusses his newborn assessment scale, which is widely used globally to help parents understand their babies' individual personalities. He stresses the importance of parents respecting their newborns' unique characteristics from the outset. The conversation also touches on the societal shift where parents, particularly mothers, are expected to balance work and family life, leading to increased stress and the need for support. Dr. Brazelton suggests that professionals like pediatricians should provide guidance to new parents to help them understand their child's needs and build a strong foundation for the child's emotional and cognitive development.

10:01

🤱 Balancing Work and Family Life: A New Challenge for Parents

In the third paragraph, the discussion focuses on the modern challenges faced by parents, especially dual-income families. Dr. Brazelton identifies 12 significant stressors that new parents face today, such as the expectation for women to be successful in the workforce and manage family responsibilities. He suggests that businesses should support women by providing flexible schedules and time off for family commitments. Additionally, he recommends that new parents be given the space and support to bond with their babies, which can help alleviate stress and strengthen family dynamics. The conversation underscores the need for a new balance in parental roles and the importance of recognizing and supporting the critical roles that both mothers and fathers play in a child's life.

15:02

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Role of Fathers in Childcare and Development

Paragraph four explores the role of fathers in childcare and child development. Dr. Brazelton discusses the importance of including fathers in the care of their children from an early stage, emphasizing that they are critical actors in a child's life. He talks about the competitive nature that can exist between parents over their child's care and the need to establish a team approach to parenting. The conversation also touches on the societal changes in the past 30 to 40 years, particularly the increase in mothers working outside the home, and how this has impacted family dynamics. Dr. Brazelton provides guidance on how to navigate these changes and stresses the importance of making decisions that prioritize the well-being of the child.

20:02

🏡 The Impact of Childcare on Child Development

The fifth paragraph addresses the impact of childcare on child development. Dr. Brazelton expresses concern over the lack of optimal childcare in the United States and compares it unfavorably to systems in Europe and Asia. He discusses the importance of having childcare providers who are well-compensated and respected for their role in children's lives. He also emphasizes the need for childcare environments that allow for freedom and independence similar to what children experience at home. The conversation highlights the emotional toll that the current state of childcare takes on parents and the need for systemic changes to better support families and the development of children.

25:03

🌐 Global Perspectives on Childcare and the Future

In the final paragraph, the conversation turns to a global perspective on childcare and the future. Dr. Brazelton laments the lack of attention and support for childcare in the United States compared to other countries. He calls for a national commitment to improving childcare and supporting families, warning of the long-term consequences if these issues are not addressed. The discussion concludes with a call to action, urging viewers to consider the importance of investing in children and families for the betterment of society as a whole.

Keywords

💡Dual Income Families

Dual income families refer to households where both parents or partners are employed and earn income. In the video, this concept is discussed in the context of the increasing societal trend and its implications for childcare and work-life balance. The script mentions the struggle of a new generation of parents to balance home and work obligations, highlighting the need for dual income in many modern families.

💡Child Development

Child development encompasses the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur in human beings from birth to maturity. The video explores the effects of dual income families on this process, as the presence of both parents in the workforce may impact the time and attention available for child-rearing. Dr. Brazelton emphasizes the importance of early interaction and respect for the baby's individuality in fostering healthy development.

💡Pediatrics

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, featured in the video, is a leading expert in pediatrics and discusses his insights on newborn behavior and the importance of early parent-child interactions for future development.

💡Respect for Newborns

This concept, as discussed by Dr. Brazelton, refers to the recognition of newborns as individuals with their own personalities and capabilities. He argues against the 1950s notion of blaming parents for their children's issues and instead promotes understanding and respecting the baby's innate characteristics. The video illustrates how newborns respond to voices and faces, indicating their active engagement with the world from birth.

💡Parent-Child Interaction

Parent-child interaction is the dynamic between parents and their children, which is crucial for the child's development. The video emphasizes the importance of early interaction, where newborns show responsiveness to their parents' voices and faces. This interaction is seen as a foundation for building trust, empathy, and learning in children.

💡Childcare

Childcare refers to the care provided to children by adults or other children's caregivers when the child's parents or guardians are unavailable. The video discusses the challenges faced by dual income families in finding optimal childcare and the impact of institutional care on child development. Dr. Brazelton advocates for childcare providers who genuinely care about children and can provide a nurturing environment.

💡Stressors

Stressors are events or situations that cause stress. In the context of the video, Dr. Brazelton identifies 12 stressors that new parents face today, which are significantly more than in previous generations. These include the pressures of balancing work and family life, societal expectations, and the emotional toll of caring for children.

💡Attachment Process

The attachment process refers to the emotional bond that forms between a child and their caregiver, typically the parents. The video discusses how early interactions and respect for the baby's individuality can enhance this attachment, which is vital for the child's emotional well-being and development.

💡Emotional Learning

Emotional learning is the process of acquiring skills to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. The video suggests that effective learning is intertwined with emotional health, as children need to feel good about themselves and connected to others to learn effectively. This concept is linked to the importance of nurturing care in child development.

💡Optimal Childcare

Optimal childcare refers to high-quality care that supports the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children. The video discusses the need for such care, especially in the context of dual income families where both parents work. Dr. Brazelton suggests that optimal childcare should provide a supportive and stimulating environment that respects and nurtures the individual needs of each child.

Highlights

The Norman and Florence Brodie Family Foundation supports exploring topics of national and international importance.

Policy Watch discusses the impact of dual income families on childhood development.

Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a leading expert on pediatrics and child development, joins the show.

Dr. Brazelton emphasizes the importance of respecting newborn babies and their individuality.

In the 1950s, parents were often blamed for their children's issues instead of looking at the child-parent interaction.

Dr. Brazelton shares his experience of working with children on the autistic spectrum and the shift in understanding.

Newborns demonstrate interactive abilities, such as turning towards voices and faces.

The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) is used worldwide to assess newborn behavior.

Parents need to be cued to recognize their newborn's individual traits and behaviors.

The importance of sensitive nurturing care for building trust, empathy, and compassion in children.

Dr. Brazelton discusses the stressors faced by new parents, particularly dual-income families.

The expectation for women to succeed in the workforce and manage family responsibilities is a significant stressor.

Businesses should support women by providing flexibility for family commitments.

Dr. Brazelton suggests the importance of fathers being included in child care from the beginning.

The need for optimal childcare that respects and nurtures children's development.

Childcare workers should be valued and supported for their crucial role in child development.

The importance of risk-taking and independence in child development, even in childcare settings.

Dr. Brazelton calls for national attention to the state of childcare and support for parents.

The program concludes with a call to action for improved childcare and support for families.

Transcripts

the Norman and Florence Brodie family

foundation is dedicated to exploring

topics of national and international

importance and is proud to support

policy watch with Doug Bazarov at the

University of Maryland from the

University of Maryland this is policy

watch with dr. Shuren as a new

generation of parents struggles to

balance home and work obligations the

need for dual income families is

ever-increasing what will the effects of

this trend be on childhood development

to find out policy watch is joined by

dr. T berry Brazelton a leading expert

on pediatrics and child development and

now the host of policy watch Doug Besser

of P berry Brazelton welcome to policy

watch and the University of Maryland

thank you - great to be here I'd like to

read something that you wrote just to

start us going because it was so

striking to me I'd like them to remember

me that's you as somebody who respected

newborn babies and broke through a time

in the 1950s when we were blaming

parents for everything instead of

looking at the interaction as the main

potential for the baby's future first

tell me about respect the baby well I

think what when I started my work as I

finished my training at Children's

Hospital in Boston and didn't know a

thing about babies and certainly less

about parity this was training to be a

pediatrician that's right and all I knew

about was disease or disorders or what

was wrong with people and then I went in

a child psychiatry thinking maybe I'd

learn more about children and about

families I didn't it was another failure

system you only got to psychiatry

if you failed and the children we were

looking at were three four and five they

were in retrospect they were on the

autistic spectrum but we didn't know

that much about autism and and we were

blaming parents for these children's

failures and that seems so terrible

these parents were ready to take it they

were ready to blame themselves and they

got into therapy for a year after year

but it didn't do any good and I thought

well now these kids don't look quite

right to me as a pediatrician I can see

that many of them had really dyskinetic

features and so forth so I began to

think maybe the child is part of this

problem not just the problem parents and

so I began to play with newborn babies

and began to realize how really

wonderful they are

by golly when you pick up a newborn and

then you look in your face baby comes

alive sits up straighter you follow your

face back and forth if you hold him up

like this and see that newborn baby will

turn to your voice arch and look in your

face and if I put a mother over there

and I'm over here and we both talk any

newborn will choose the female voice

turn to her look her in the face and

automatically she grabs her newborn you

know me already and now I do it with

fathers if you were game we could play

this game or the newborn baby and 80% of

kids turn to their father's voice

instead of mine isn't that amazing and

the other 20% I tip their heads

and at that point every father says you

know me like it was a miracle and you

know I think golly this is really what

the baby brings brings this capacity to

capture parents for them and isn't this

fun you know what our audience the TV

audience can't pick this not but there

are a number of women in the room who I

know are mothers newly mothers of

children in fact they have one infant in

the room and you should have seen the

mother's faces as Barry was talking that

way it was a smile of recognition and it

was really quite striking how early on

will a child react that way to an adult

his mother or father but also any adult

when can someone expect that kind of

reaction from a baby from a new from a

bit yeah new boy baby right out of the

uterus you have to get them I I work

with newborns all the time who are

either addicted or not addicted because

of their parents addiction and the

addicted babies show the same sort of

attempt to master themselves a baby

who's been in optimal conditions in the

uterus will rouse themselves from sleep

and as they come up from sleep they get

more and more alert and if they can't

control themselves their work to get

your throne from now then they'll look

up like this and all of this behavior is

right there to be captured right from

the first in fact we have I have a

newborn assessment scale it very proud

called the Brazelton yeah and it's in

use pretty much around the world now to

capture parents for their babies and we

have oh I don't know seven hundred

papers showing that if you show a

newborn baby to new parents there

which is right there ready gets centered

on that baby as a person and you say

respect well the baby tells you is sort

of what kind of baby they're going to be

quiet gentle are active and like this

and the parent learns to respect that

baby's individuality right from the

first this is something that often comes

as a surprise to parents and and and my

sense from having chatted with you and

reading your material often parents have

to be cued to see what they're seeing

well it certainly helps and I'm sure it

has to do with having a professional

share things with them and I don't mean

just a doctor I think it can be a nurse

a midwife a therapist of any kind but

sure it takes the translation of isn't

that wonderful that you bring as a

professional and then the parent dares

to let their defenses down their passion

surge to the surface and they're ready

and they start off with that baby as a

person with respect well in your book

that you did with Stan Greensburg the

irreducible needs of children there's a

line right now children are learning

more about frogs and other non-human

species than they are about human beings

and what I was thinking about here it's

not so much anything negative but that

we don't do enough helping all

prospective parents understand what this

new person in their life is going to be

like well I certainly could agree with

that I wish that every new parent had a

chance to share that new baby with

somebody who could interpret for him and

this has been my dream that someday

every newborn place around the world

would would share that

maybe with with the new parent because

it makes a significant difference in

their attachment process all the way

along and of course in the baby's

self-esteem and readiness to pick up on

learning to feel good about themselves

all of the things we dream about wanting

I'm not a psychologist or a psychiatrist

but also to create a feedback write loop

as one is encouraging the other well you

mentioned a moment ago about how when

you got your medical training you didn't

know that much about children has that

changed the pediatricians now have a

better idea not enough we're trying to

change it we're working about with about

five medical schools now trying to give

them this sort of message that the most

important language a pediatrician or a

nurse or a nurse midwife has is her

language about the baby because the

parents are absolutely starving for it

they're just hungry for it and if you

can reinforce it early you keep it alive

right straight through and again any

reducible needs you talk about how

children require I'm reading it here

it's sensitive nurturing care to build

capacities for trust empathy and

compassion and also for learning no this

is not just about emotional health these

are all connected no we think we there's

a new sort of phrase called effective

learning emotional learning and I think

it really talks about how learning goes

on in the context of feeling good about

yourself and feeling related to other

people and without that why you can

still learn obviously but it's a

different kind of learning kind of

learning I'm talking about is a child

who works works works it's something in

them and he gets it

I just did it and then he looks to his

parent for did you see what I just did

and without saying it that parent

automatically says hey that was great

and you've got two sources of fuel for

the development of that child and you

also do that with the parents don't you

when when the parents succeed you give

them you point out that they've

succeeded for the very same reason I

think they need it so much these days

the kind of stresses that are there I

have 12 stresses that I think new

parents are going through today that are

significantly more than they were when

we were raising our children 30 years

ago let's talk about that you started

practicing in Cambridge Massachusetts

1950 and you just mentioned that you've

identified I think it's 12 stressors

talk about a few of them the biggest one

is the what we've asked women to do we

have split women into in this country

and we've asked them to be successful in

the workforce and we've made it begun to

make it possible

begun and we've asked them to go home at

night and take care of the whole family

well my golly those are two important

roles and women live up to that they

feel it and their husbands are now

trying to help out and trying to help

live help them live up to this but their

two major roles now I think we have the

solution to each of these dresses I

don't know whether you was there yeah

that'd be great right the one in the

workforce is I would say that businesses

ought to be aware of the importance of

what women need to back them up to be

good at family support they ought to be

allowed to go out to the churun soccer

games they ought to be given times to be

away when they can recover from all of

the stress they're under and you know

businesses ought to be helping if at

home I

suggest one thing every new parent ought

to have be given a great big rocking

chair and when she gets home at night

she knows everybody in the family is

gonna fall apart all the kids are gonna

start screaming at her her husband's

gonna come in saying where is everything

I everything's not ready for dinner

tonight and you know that they're all

gonna fall apart

never hurts every as you walk in the

door instead of going to the toilet or

to the bed to make it just gather

everybody up and sit down in this

rocking chair and Rock and everybody's

gonna be bitching at you the whole time

but when you they finally relax and your

arms look down and say how is your game

and the baby goes well mine was - I

missed you so much and you're how is

your dad you'll say Oh awful but mine

was - but now we're a family again and

then take them in the kitchen and let

them help you you know let them become

part of a working family and you know

this could bring back the feeling that

we're all together in this and I think

this is what we've been losing out on so

we can do it well what you just said

raises many questions but the first one

I have to ask you because I don't want

to be inundated with mail or emails why

the mother right why not the father

right well you you saw by my playing

with babies that I believe in the father

and that I think the father is a

critical actor in this particularly in

this day and time and father's respect

that seconds you give them

oh and okay - go ahead they are ready

they are all ready what we haven't

really realized is that there's bound to

be gatekeeping between two adults who

care about the same child I call it

keeping competition and of course a

mother and a father

are in competition with each other for

that baby of course if we don't give

father's permission by including them in

their child's caretaking and all the

interviewing then they're not going to

get into that role because they see the

mother feeling very protective and they

just don't get in we have four killed

Rijn my wife says she has five and I

have four and they're not saying

cheering at all

I wouldn't race the churun like she

racism I'd be rezian differently I want

to write a book that's right so we talk

every week about how competitive we feel

it's rid of it helps it you talk about

though the fact that we're working

towards a new balance between the

fathers and the mothers I don't want to

reflect some kind of gender bias to say

with any two people somebody has to

break the tie whether it's who's gonna

stay home who's gonna make decisions

where do you see that new balance going

I see it as a team working together and

I think that the parents to whom you can

give this kind of challenge and keep it

alive over the child's development it is

it is more like a team than it used to

be you know I turned over our children

to my wife and then bitched and you

probably did too I can tell by your face

every day

well I'm very jealous of how close she

is to well much of what's happened is a

question of the increase in mother's

work this is the change that's happened

in the last 30 or 40 years

and I know that you don't give people

advice but when a young woman or a young

couple come to you and say we're

thinking of having a baby and we're

think trying to decide about who works

how what do you what do you either say

or what questions do you ask or how do

you guide them to their own decision

well I'd like to see my patients in

pregnancy so they can unload with me two

questions all pregnant women have

pregnant women and then have one is how

will I ever get to be a parent I don't

want to be like my parent because for

sure and yet they know they will be so

that's the conflict and then the other

is what kind of baby can i nurture and

then they'll describe the perfect baby

that looks in their face and his hair

and a perfect face you know as a

three-month-old baby and then they'll

describe if you ask them to the impaired

baby that they might have and then

you've got them talking about something

very deep-seated and if parents together

can begin to share that impaired baby

that everybody dreams about before

delivery then they'll tell you all sorts

of things and I think parents are ready

then to start thinking with you you know

what's most important in our lives is it

money is it you know all of the things

we blame women for and women can even

begin to think you know it's gonna be

important for me to stay home for a

while and if I can keep them home and I

don't tell them but I listen and Riaan

encourage for the first few months so

they can make that initial attachment to

their babies it goes so much more easily

then and then they'll fight for what

they need in the way of you know if

they're breastfeeding their fight too

get milk to bring home to their babies

things like that and I think we need to

really think how hard it is for parents

today if they don't get the backup that

urging we mentioned about those first

few weeks and I've had a number of young

people working for me who women who I'm

quite sure did not expect to go right

back I did not expect to stay home with

their babies even for a few months and

the phrase I've heard is I fell in love

with my baby what is that all about is

that well look at you smile look at your

eyes so to get dimmed as you talk about

babies you know what I'm talking about

but a baby looks you in the face your

heart starts going like this your whole

body begins to soften and you get when

that baby smiles at you it's it's like a

love you never it doesn't matter how

much you care about your spouse it's a

different kind of love a different kind

of commitment that I think just happens

around a baby so I'm gonna go to I'm

gonna push this a little bit now let's

assume that the world is changing which

is good women have more choices but when

both parents are working what I read

tells me for example that both of them

but especially the mothers have

difficulty setting limits they come home

they've been away so let's talk about

those kinds we hope they have great

childcare we hope that were their

employers are supportive oak is not

enough we need to have optimal childcare

and there are places in this country

that have faced that governor hunt in

North Carolina has optimal childcare

around North Carolina California is

using tobacco money to improve childcare

Maine has just made a big statement

about childcare Miami Florida is

beginning people

do it we got to have optimal child care

and we don't have it now that is so true

now I've seen you've written about

institutional care as in child care what

kinds of things do you want child care

programs to do that they don't do today

well I want child care people who have

gone into this because they care about

children to be backed up with decent

salaries with positions where people

really respect them I want parents to

realize they're not just babysitters

that these people really care about

their kids and then to reinforce that

and so that there's the the child care

person looks in a baby

I tell mothers our fathers when they

come to me about what to look for in

child care if this person looks at this

baby the way you feel like you do or if

this person begins to imitate the baby's

rhythms you're already talking about

somebody who cares about the children so

I would look for that first if I were

looking for a job here it looks to me

that it's extremely difficult to get all

the things one once in an institutional

setting I was walking in the park one

day and there were two mothers with

their children I don't remember whether

the children couldn't tell whether they

were four three or whatever and one

little girl was walking along it was a

little bridge Oh 2x4 nope no fence and

the little girl walks along on that

two-by-four I on one side is the bridge

and on the other side is a five foot

drop that mother is looking very

carefully at her daughter but she's

gonna let her she was letting her do it

was quite clear she was ready to jump

but she wanted her daughter to have that

kind of independence I see that and then

I see the young children

being brought out from some of the

daycare centers and I'm sure there are

wonderful ones but I see them all you

know tied together or in these strollers

where there are six babies and and one

caretaker and I say whatever that and I

watched your face get a little worried

about that child walking on but I say

you know that's we want without risks we

want that kind of freedom for the

children in care as well as at home and

I don't know how we're gonna get to that

kind of more flexible I don't either

Doug but I agree with you I wish we had

that as a major goal in this country we

know what to do for children and for

parents parents are grieving just as

much as you and I are about what they're

having to do today in terms of leaving

their kids without that kind of

opportunity now you see that in your

practice course but heavens people who

know they're gonna have to leave their

child to go back to work start grieving

in pregnancy it's there people are

suffering and we are not doing a damn

thing at a national level it's time we

took it back and said our children are

our future if we don't pay attention to

what they're going through the way of

institutionalizing women who we split

into we and we are gonna pay a terrible

price we're already paying it I keep

going to what's happening now as opposed

to the better world because people will

be watching this program for many years

and I hope child care will improve but

it's going to take many years so let me

go back again well then Europe has

already done it

Europe has wonderful child care most

parts of Europe and even Asia many parts

of Asia have superb child care you know

what's wrong with a country like ours

that doesn't pay attention to

is T berry Brazelton thank you very much

for being with us great thank you

[Applause]

[Music]

this program was produced by the

University of Maryland which is solely

responsible for its content the Norman

and Florence Brody family foundation is

dedicated to exploring topics of

national and international importance

and is proud to support policy watch

with Doug Vetrov at the University of

Maryland