The Power of the Popsicle: Advice from my Mother on Raising Babies

I’m cleaning out computer files and found a something I had written for a baby shower for my niece. Apparently we were supposed to write out the best advice we ever got from our mothers.

Here’s what I came up with:

I’ve been racking my brain for advice from my mother on raising babies.  I honestly can’t remember any real advice.  She offered a ton of encouragement, and was a wonderful help when the boys got older.  She wasn’t very good with the little ones, but as soon as they could play cards, she would play endless games of casino with them and taught them their numbers and how to count by so doing.

But, as I think about it, the best piece of advice was that Popsicles could cure anything.  When the boys used to get ear infections or colds, she would bring over a box of Popsicles for them and tell them that slowing eating one would make them well.  To this day, my sons, now all adults, think that Popsicles will make them well.  And, as far I can tell, it does!

So here’s the sum of what she taught me, although in different words: never underestimate the power of a good tasting placebo!

Feel free to pass on this piece of profound advice!