It is a sad commentary of our times when our young must seek advice and counsel from 'Dear Abby' instead of going to Mom and Dad.

Pauline Phillips’ quote expresses concern about the decline of family relationships and the shifting dynamics of how young people seek advice. She laments that it is a “sad commentary of our times” that instead of turning to their parents, young people are now more likely to seek counsel from Dear Abby, a famous advice column. Phillips is pointing out that this shift signifies a breakdown in traditional family communication, where parents used to be the primary source of guidance and support.

The origin of the quote comes from Pauline Phillips, the creator of the "Dear Abby" advice column, where she gave life guidance and advice to readers for many decades. Ironically, she expresses a critical view of how the very column she made famous has become a go-to resource for young people, implying that it reflects a societal issue of families becoming more disconnected. In this context, Phillips, who spent her career offering advice to others, highlights the irony of the growing reliance on external sources for personal counsel.

The quote reflects Phillips' nostalgia for a time when family bonds were stronger, and the home was the place where children could go for guidance on life’s challenges. She’s highlighting a perceived loss of closeness between parents and children, suggesting that when this connection fades, young people may turn to outsiders, like advice columnists, to fill the gap. The emotional undertone of the quote points to her belief that parental guidance should be the first, most trusted source of counsel for young individuals.

In a broader sense, the quote calls attention to the changes in family dynamics and communication in modern society. It raises concerns about how shifts in societal structures, such as the breakdown of traditional family roles or the increasing reliance on digital and media-based advice, can affect personal relationships and the emotional well-being of younger generations. Phillips advocates for a return to stronger family ties where parents are seen as the primary mentors and advisers in their children’s lives.