SEETHA NARAYAN'S piece about concerns arising from new mothers' reliance on the Internet relied almost entirely on the concerns of those who do not understand the nature of the beast they are protesting to make its points.
Yes. We could all be more attentive to our children whether we're watching TV, surfing the Internet or talking on the phone. But to suggest that it's actually hurting bonding and increasing isolation is ridiculous.
It's difficult for new mothers to go out.
Logistics alone - getting toddlers and infants into a car seat, or to stop running amok in stores or to time things around naps - is hurdle enough.
Sometimes it's not best to put the baby in a sling and go to the coffee shop to meet real people, as one person in the article said.
Invariably, whenever I go to coffee shops I have at least five people I don't know tell me how my parenting is harming my kids: "The sling is too constricting"; "It's too hot out for an infant"; "You will regret giving him a pacifier"; "I hope you used sunscreen"; and my personal favorite, "I hope that's decaffeinated if you are nursing."
Oh, I still go out for coffee, but when I want to meet people who are going to be friendly and supportive I go online. I'd rather have Internet friends who play nice.
SIOBHAN CONNALLY
Kinderhook, N.Y.
rising
falling 