Parent A and Parent B makes baby screwed up and a future mental patient.
""Thing" is used here neither dismissively nor derisively, but as a term of stunning accuracy. Throughout our culture, children have become objectified, "thingified," created or acquired for the fulfillment of our selves — decor options, accessories, cute little bundles for our entertainment and amusement.
Unless, of course, we're not in the mood, in which case we hit the "abort" button, the ultimate expression of "thingification.""
- A very powerful statement. </A big round of applause for the author>