As Usual, Dads Just Don’t Get No Respect

Re “Mothers Speak a Universal Tongue” in the “Kid Stuff” column (May 7): Susan Jaques’ coverage of a recent study of mothers’ verbal interaction with their babies shows how far some people will go to portray women as divine beings while totally ignoring men. As I read the examples of baby-talk used internationally, I recognized each one as the same way I would talk to my child in a given situation (rising and falling for praise; low frequency for comfort, etc.)

In fact, my memories of hearing men and women talk to babies tells me that virtually every parent I’ve heard uses these vocal inflections instinctively. They’re simply human, not special property of mothers. So what’s next, a 10-year study that finds women tend to smile when happy and laugh when amused?

SETH WITTNER

Glendale