It's still sloppy reporting. But never mind that.

If they did a study and asked parents 'How much do you converse with your child about anything?' (not just race) the results would probably dismay us all. I say 'converse' because I would not want scolding and mere reminding (Tie your shoe. Do you homework.) to count.

I don't suppose I have to talk at length about it. We all know:

people work long hours
kids go to 'activities' rather than spend time parents
few people have family meals together
day care
plugging kids in



I stepped on an elevator yesterday and saw a couple with a little girl about 5 or 6. She had earphones and something electronic to listen to. (As I stepped on, she took it out of her ears.) Her parents weren't speaking to her or to each other.

I smiled at the little girl, and she gave me a radiant smile in return. An adult had befriended her!

I have a friend who is second in command of a suburban school system. It is not a poverty-stricken area. She says "Any adult who will TALK to them...!"