"Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you"

In this quote, Erma Bombeck is highlighting the challenges and dangers of being a kid left alone in your home throughout the summer. She suggests that this is a "high-risk profession," implying that it is not a simple or safe task. The use of the word "profession" also recommends that being home alone is a serious responsibility for a child. Bombeck then goes on to explain that constantly calling one's mother at work can result in being harmed. This could be translated as a warning versus being too demanding or needy, as it may cause disappointment or anger in the parent. Overall, this quote highlights the intricacies and potential problems of being a kid left alone throughout the summertime.