Plz Helppp Can it be, I wonder, that children are happier when they are made to obey orders and are sent to bed at six o'clock than when allowed to regulate their own conduct; that bread and milk is more favourable to laughter and soft childish ways than beefsteaks and pickles three times a day; that an occasional whipping, even, will conduce to rosey cheeks? It is an idea which I should never date to broach to an American mother, but I must confess that after my travels on the western continent my opinions have tendency in that direction . . . --from North America by Anthony Trollope

The inference is

American mothers, not just mothers and calls his book North America.

mothers are the main idea

fathers are not mentioned

mothers are referenced in general