What is lightly referred to but not directly addressed in this article (Perspective, Sept. 19), and the Mommy/career debate in general, is the needs of the children. As anyone who has been a child can tell you, children need time, interest, and affection from their parents to feel loved. No matter how good the nanny, babysitter, grandmother, or teacher, children need their parents. The attention, affection, or perceived lack of interest from their parents (and children tend to take things personally, no matter what the reason for a parent’s physical or emotional absence) will impact the way children feel about themselves for the rest of their lives, and their capacity to establish rewarding relationships as adults in love and in work. I don’t think there is any responsibility that should be taken more seriously than being a parent – you are essential to the physical and emotional well being of your children, and you are irreplaceable.

Kathryn Clutz ’88