BABIES A LUXURY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26473, 29 May 1947, Page 4

BABIES A LUXURY

Sir, —What has “ Father of Eight ” to be so proud about? H„s he suffered the weariness of pregnancy, the pains of childbirth? Does he get up at (5 a.m. to feed the baby? Does he have to keep on the job day and night, with very little rest when the children are sick? It would be most interesting to know whether he comes home punctually to help put the youngest to bed, if he dries the dishes, helps with the washing, or gives up Saturday football to take his family oul? I think it will be generally agreed that the father’s part in procreation is a simple one. Children are often just a chance result. I have noticed that people who are not too pleased to find another baby on the way are often smug and self-righteous after its arrival. On the other hand, people who have a high standard of hygiene and child care, and a' sense of responsibility, have to limit their families unless they have very domesticated -.husbands (rare indeed!), kindly relatives who can take over when mother is sick—if she dares to be sick!— or a large income to provide help in the home and labour-saving devices. Of course, there are selfish people who ought to have moi-e children, and selfish people who ought to have less, and always will be.

Oh no, “ Father of Eight ” should not congratulate himself, he should congratulate his wife! Any woman who bears eight children (whether planned or not) and keeps a happy, healthy home, is indeed to be admired.—l am, etc.. May 26. Also a Parent.