At the airport, watching a dad with his probably seven-month-old. He has her in the air, shifting her around mechanically, like a robot. She’s kicking her legs and squealing. Mom comes back from the bathroom and immediately straps the baby to her chest. She leans in and snuggles. Nobody tells Dad to engage in stimulating play with his child. Nobody tells Mom to pull her close and soothe her. They interact with the same child differently because men and women are different. Children don't need two adults tossing them in the air. They don't need two parents soothing and comforting them. All stimulation and no security leaves them unmoored; all comfort and no challenge leaves them afraid to venture out. Children need one parent who promotes attachment and one parent who promotes independence. Children need a mother and a father. A culture that treats either one as optional asks children to go without so adults can feel affirmed.