[retTreftowhexm]

Thank you Betti and Susana. So much to learn! Seems like there is a big difference based on socioeconomic status. I assume, Betti, that you are a teacher. Do kids really start kindegarten at 3?? In USA that is quite young. We start at 5. Seems like parents are very focused on their children's learning, but maybe they don't understand that lots can be learned through play - especially social and emotional things. Oh - Betti - you're right that the not holding has to do with the fear of the babies becoming attached, but it is important, especially for kids who have experienced loss and trauma, for them to be held, touched and attached to a primary caregiver or several primary caregivers. Sounds like parents have a greater opportunity to nurture their children. Also at the orphanage we did developmental screenings and many of the kids were delayed in speech, fine and gross motor skills and could not identify simple items in a storybook.

Anything else? Are there any early childhood workers out there, or mothers/fathers of young children? One more question - are men as free to be affectionate with their infants and toddlers as are the women?

Thanks again.

Andy