Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-07-06
A Plea for the Girls

tailings, nor excuse her follies; but
do pity her for that Unborn restlessness
that impels her to deeds which shock
her friends and lowers her in her own
est mation.
can SO we'll understand the Bohe-
m an side of her nature. the spurning
at constraini, the he ating against old
walls of custom and propriety. the fl ng-
Ing aside OF worn out rags OF proven bs
and maxims, which have always been
Haunted before her, TO her intense dis
dan and derision.
can sympathize with that first con-
ceit OF thinking for herself. of probing
great questions. of finding out that the
way in which she has been brought up
is not the only way after all. that even
good and respectable people have diff
ferent ideas, and vet are not utterly
demoralized thereby; the first shock of
doubt that perhaps her own parents are
not infallible. nor her own minister
absolutely perfect-all these things
which throw her mind into chaos for II
/ me, and make her torment to all
about her.
Oh. the peril she is in. and just here.
and the wisdom, subtle as n serpent.
that ought to be with those who have
her in charge!
She is no longer simple. unreas on
ing child. nor is she a mature. Just and
thoughtful woman. She is an impris-
oned bird, who dreams of freedom aud
happiness. and yet beats her wings in
van against p close, narrow cage;
Happy the bird who comes of we'll
trained race. and will accept her des-
tiny with meekness; but woe to her of
free nature and lofty ideas, for she
will hurt her tender spirit cruelty
against the barriers she feels but does
not understand! Yet we can't open
the door and let her fly to certain
run. Is there. then, no way for us
mothers to keep the pretty things more
contented in the house nest?
First, keep them busy. They can't
bear duIlness and stagnation. Let
them laugh and romp at home. En-
courage them 10 try their hands at
cooking. Never mind if they do make
mess of it. and waste good material.
1t won't cost SO much as to deck them
for the streets.
Praise their efforts. Don't make
fun OF them. and don't attempt 10 be
with them every minute. ordering and
harrassipg them in every way. That
,po Is it all.
Think up excursions in which all
Ihall join. BE gay and lively yourself,
and don't see too much. When you
become only constraint upon your
children your influence is upon the
wane.
Encourage them to bring their
len Is home. If they are under your
own eyes they cannot get far away.
DO you ask aghast But when shall
rest, or read. and be quiet and COM
fortable?'
Where indeed? But the resting Will
come bv-and.b by. Your house will be
Lui 1t and in order, and there will be
40 swish of trailing dresses through
.he hall. no scream Of laughter from
the lawn. nor merry "tra-la-las" from
the parlor below. Your daughter Will
90 away TO another home. and you
VIII have rest and gu ct enough But
oh while she is with you make her
home so delightful no after abiding
place can quite take its place in her
heart
Encourage her in reading and don't
insist on dull, stupid books beyond her
comprehension. In these days of SUPER
abundant literature there is no occa-
sion TO resort to dulness even for the
purpose of Improvement A spark ling
book of travels read aloud in the eve
nings. with frequent recourse to large
map and convenient cyclopedia. will
teach both geography and history in
so charming IA way that even giddy
/, girl Of sixteen will swallow it with
, eagerness. A reading circle. especial
~ If the young men are invited. will
employ many an evening in pleas
ant and profitable way. | say invite
the young men. because the circle
won't 1--we without them. AS well keep
the needle from the magnet rs the girl
from the boy. 1t can't be done-and
the only hing is so to manage their
soc al intercourse that il shall be de-
corous and improving. BE present
yourself occasionally, not always. Let
your coming in seem spontaneous and
be unexpected. Don't in any way act
the duenna, but keep yourself in read
mess whenever your presence Is need
ed. When on do enter, don't be a
damper upon the cOmpany-laugh with
them and never mind if they are silly.
You were silly yourself at their age.
= and see what Il sensb bic, well-bre
J woman you are now
, Keep yourself as young and pretty
rs you can. Nothing so pleases n
young girl "a to see her mother
admired by her own friends and moth
ing so impresses young man with a
sense of his duty 10 the daughter as
the memory of kindness received from
her gentle. lady-like mother.
7 Encourage company at home rather
than visiting. and don't scowl if hours
are late. both for bed and breakfast.
It's trying. but you are keeping hold
of your daughter, and that is the only
essential now.
, II she confdes in you what seems
|, the veriest trash. listen as il ii were an
oracle. for If YOU seem interested in
what interests her you will win Der
confidence in weightier things. Moth.
ing chills the contiding soul of a child
Ike the rdicule and scorn of those
older and wiser than they; and after