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The Baby Experts

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photoWhat's the best way to bring up baby? The answer used to be, "ask grandmother." But that changed at the turn of the 20th century. Pediatricians and psychologists took up the baby rattle and began a quest to predict and perfect children's futures.

Over the past 100 years, advice has ranged from pearls of wisdom to bad science and foolishness: "Don't rock the baby." "Hug them more." "Chart their every move." "Let them run." "Trust your instincts."

Just in time for Mother's Day, writer and mother of two Ann Hulbert takes stock of it all in a new book "Raising America: Experts, Parents, and a Century of Advice About Children."

Who did your parents turn to for parenting advice and did it work? Do you have doubts about the experts? Where are you turning for advice?

Guests:

Ann Hulbert, author of Raising America: Experts, Parents, and a Century of Advice About Children"

This program aired on May 9, 2003.

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