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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”