Chandra, a middle class housewife, says she would prefer a daughter because she believes they are more affectionate and helpful to the parents than a son in the longer run.

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Once the child is born, however, the Tuscan couple are on safer ground: indeed, Italian Renaissance attitudes towards child-rearing are often much more sensible, affectionate and enlightened than those maintained by many modern gurus.

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Now, Mr. Kline tries to be more verbally and physically affectionate.

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