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Dr. Spock on the Spock generation

Broadcast Date: Dec. 8, 1993

"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." That's been Dr. Benjamin Spock's basic message to parents since 1946, when the American pediatrician first published his revolutionary child-rearing book The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care. The book advocated a gentler, more liberal approach to parenting. In this 1993 CBC-TV clip, Spock talks about his mother, admits he used to be sexist, and addresses past accusations that his book spawned a spoiled generation of hippies and Vietnam War protesters.

Dr. Spock on the Spock generation

• Spock's advice to mothers about trusting their own instincts was revolutionary in 1946. Prior to that, they were told to follow the advice of their doctors unquestioningly, since the doctors were the experts. The prescribed parenting style at the time was all about discipline, routine and avoiding spoiling the children at all costs. Crying babies, for instance, were not to be picked up. Spock, on the other hand, advocated flexibility, warmth and treating children as individuals.

• Spock's detractors in the late 1960s and early 70s included U.S. Vice-President Spiro Agnew, who blamed Spock's philosophies for raising a generation of rebellious war protestors. In response, Spock once famously quipped, "Well, at least nobody could accuse me of having brought up Spiro Agnew."

• Spock passed away in 1998 at age 94. By the time of his death, his groundbreaking book had sold 50 million copies.

• In December 2006, Atlantic Monthly named Dr. Spock one of its top 100 most influential figures in American history. "With a single book – and a singular approach – he changed American parenting."

Dr. Spock on the Spock generation

Medium: Television

Program: Contact With Hana Gartner

Broadcast Date: Dec. 8, 1993

Guest(s): Benjamin Spock

Host: Hana Gartner

Duration: 15:30

Last updated:
Feb. 23, 2010