Slate Parenting Column Tackles Kids' Underwear and Reading Choices

A parent wrote to Slate’s Care and Feeding column describing how her 8‑year‑old son stopped wearing underwear to avoid his 12‑year‑old brother’s wedgies. The columnist advised that the child’s decision is not a lasting solution, urging the parents to establish a clear family rule prohibiting any unwanted touching, and to stop the husband’s encouragement of such behavior.

In a separate letter, another parent asked whether she should limit her 8‑year‑old son’s avid reading, as her husband prefers higher‑quality fiction. The response emphasized that book quality is subjective, encouraging the child’s freedom to choose while suggesting that parents can recommend titles without restricting access, provided the material is not harmful.