I love advertising. To me, there is something great about a well told story, good copy, and nice imagery that makes people want to buy something.

If you are looking for some good learnings on copy and marketing, check out Suzanne Pope’s blog “Ad Teaching”, and Terry O’Reilly’s podcast “Under the Influence”. Both, awesome.

I recently came across this YouTube commercial for Lysol called “Nobody Protects Like a Mother”. Personally, I really like the story and the way it is told. I like the imagery, and the tone. But, I’ve got two big issues.

The first issue is with the title and the entire theme, “No one protects like a mother”. Come on!!! What about dads????? Do we not matter anymore? What gives Lysol, get with the times – we aren’t living in the 1950s anymore. Okay, okay – Mother’s Day is around the corner, but I doubt they will be doing something like this on Father’s Day. Let’s see. PS: does a giant vulture really protect your kids better than you?!

The second issue is with Lysol, and the harm that it can do to your children. The ad is about projecting your children and your children’s safety, while many of Lysol’s products have terrible ratings according to GoodGuide.

You know those Disinfecting Wipes you use in the kitchen, or their Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Hand Wash?? They have a rating of 4 out of 10.

While the Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System Hand Soap, All Purpose Cleaner, and Disinfecting Spray all have a rating of 1 out of 10. Not cool.

I’ll just go back to protecting my kids by cleaning with vinegar. See, dad’s can protect their children as well.