The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-09-22
WOMAN AND HOME.
MISTAKES OF MAKING CHILDREN
:. SLAVES TO THEIR CLOTHES.

Hints to Young Ladies' Who Rustlcate.
Helen Hunt Jackson-Love and Idoal-
izins Process-NIarr, Ing q Poor Man.
Paragraphs and Items.
One of the most frequent minor mistakes
of parents is the making of children slaves to
their clothes. I know whole families OF
children who havo never really breathed
free breath, 50 many cautions have they re-
ceived about soiling or tearing their clothes,
and in such fear have they stood OF the con-
sequences of such petty disasters. 1t IS
wicked and cruel to dress children in such
manner that their freedom is restricted by
thoughts of their clothing and oil the frollc-
some pleasures of childhood practically for
bitldcn to Them There are few things which
make one more unhappy than to see num-
Der of little girls standing around on sunny
lawn of summer morning all dressed in inn
nlaculatc fihcry, and with dainty shoes upon
their feet, to whose existence one solitary
childish romp would prove fatal
I have seen them many time standing
around in this manner, not daring to do
single natural or childish thing for fear OF
their clothes being soiled and they being re-
preached therefor 1t is pitiable and eNas-
peratinS. The folly of such mothers Is only
equalcd by their cruelty, for it is both foolish
and cruel thus to reprcss young children.
How cam such children have health-the di-
divine birthrisht of all children: How
can they develop any of their natural powers!
How can they lay the foundations Of any cdu-
cation which is worth the name unless they
ore allowed chance to make their own free
observation of the phenomena of the natural
worlds A yerfect Inconsistencies OF their
clothing is one Of the natural rights of chill
dren. They should be so dressed that they
shall not feel their clothing as restricting any
natural action, and in such material as can
be easily cleancd-made so simple that the
number of PIECES which goes to the laundry
Is of 10 importance. Thus only can they be
really happy and free, and capable of de-
welcoming their bodies and minds in n natural
manner. Strong, heavy shoes, free from the
bish heels which make crippleS of so many OF
our little girls, ore Indispensable.
A girl has as much right to these things as
boy. And she has the same right to run
and romp, to race through the dewy grass,
and to climb the highest tree if she I've SO
minded. If she could be saved from her
clothes, liberated from her shoes, emanci-
pat,d from her complexion, a,id allowed to
lead natural, simple life till she is obliged to
assume the proprieties of young ladyhood,
there would bc more healthy and hearty and
happy women in this land, moro happy
homes, and fewer little graves OH the hill
side. The slavery of dress will begin soon
enough for all girls; lot them at least be free
from its tyranny in childhood. They need
not bo tastclcsSly or unattrartively attired
even to do this Simplicity in dress is always
charming in the young, and for children it is
the only propriety. And with simple attire
give them plenty Of freedom TO enjoy it
Don't lay too many restrictions upon them.
Lei them enjoy life in their OWL way. Don't
try to cramp them all into one mold Let
each one develop along the line of his own
individuality Thus only can there be any
originality in this commonplace world
Chicago Tribune.