I had to read this about 10 times before I understood why she was upset. It sure sounds like he did as told.
On my 11th reading, I think I grasp that the guy should have walked a sleeping baby over to the coffee shop.
I think the mother is the problem. I see poor decision making and unclear directions.
It confused me too. I think the guy DID follow instructions.
Agree in part, although a child should never be left sleeping in a bed, or close to an unguarded stairway.
Beds are dangerous, not only can the children roll off, but the baby can get tangled in the covers and suffocate (happened in a day care center at least once I remember).
We hired baby sitters from time to time, but they were kids we knew from the neighborhood, who had played with our children, or children from our church.
My wife didn't work until the kids were in school. Raising kids is a full-time job, and one of the parents should take that job, not hire it out. My wife beat me to it (she actually had stopped working several years before we had our first kid).
[Please pardon the upcoming sexism]
Dude! You're a guy....but you're able to read. So, we can assume you can reason. Now, if you had a kid, or were watching a kid, would you really walk 8 blocks to the local coffee-torium and LEAVE THE BABY AT HOME ALONE? (Probably better think about that answer, your current or future wife may be reading this).
I don't think there's such a huge cultural difference between the US and Puerto Rico. I'm pretty sure Puerto Ricans don't leave their babies home alone. The guy's actions may explain why he couldn't pass the Wisconsin bar.
Also, I think the author tried very hard *not* to say staying home is better or worse than going to work. Seems she was trying to tell other moms "Whatever works for you". (I know, she's from Madison, and is therefore highly suspect, but I believe in giving the benefit of the doubt...until it comes to childcare, of course!)