Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-03-08
HOW TO TRAIN BOYS.
"A Branch OF Domestic Government Neg
lected by Many Mothers.


lected by Many Mothers.
Is it not strange that in many fami-
lies mothers make so great difference
In their treatment of sons and daugh-
tersp
While the daughters are carefully
watched given a share in the work OF
the household and trained TO habits OF
neatness and order, the boys are left
pretty much to themselves. Outside OF
school-hours, many mothers do not
know. and seem not to care, whore
their boys are or what they are doing;
and, with the exception OF occasional
errands, the boys have no share in the
work or responsibilities of the house,
hold.
OF all the different families ! have
known, in only one have the boys made
their own beds, kept the closets and
bureau-drawers in order or sewed on
their shoe-buttons. Indeed, in many
families these things were done by
mothers and sisters who apparently
never thought it impossible for the
boys TO assist
But why should not boys take caro-
of their own rooms, and know how to
use a needle in case of an emergency
Will it make them any less manly? On
the contrary it will simply make them
the more independent
Surely every boy ought to be taught
that before he leaves his room after n
nights sleep, the bed-clothes must be
taken from the bed and so arranged as
not to touch the floor, the mattress eX-
posed TO the air, and the windows and
blinds opened wide, except in stormy
or very severe weather.
Yet lady famous for her hospital
ity, told me that not half a dozen of all
her masculine guests had properly
opened the bed for airing when they
left the room in the morning.
Some may think such tribes beneath
the dignity of men, or that they should
be left TO the servants.
But if a boy be trained TO habits of
attention TO these little things, he will
do them unconsciously. When he mar
ries, his wife will be grateful to the
wise mother whose thoughtful care
saves her many an extra foot-step. In
case of illness, such a man will not be
the helpless, clumsy creature that so
often rasps his poor wife's overweight
nerves, but a helpful, skillful nurse.
In ordinary households there are
many things which the boys ought To
do to lessen their mothers cares. A
majority of the errands, including the
marketing, may be safely trusted 10
them. 1t will not hurt them TO know
how much their daily food costs, nor
that they must keep their eyes open to
avoid being cheated. 1t is well to al
low them to purchase their own
clothes, with more or less supervision,
as may seem best. They: will thus
learn how to select wisely and make
the most of their money.
Boys are happy in proportion as
they are busy; hence mothers ought
TO see that they are wisely employed,
and never allow them to loaf about the
streets, nor in stores, especially after
dark.
1t would seem hardly necessary to
urge mothers TO read with their boys,
play games, and talk about the things
in which they are interested, did not
one constantly see those who never do
it.
Then, too, the boys ought to have
just as pretty and attractive rooms as
their sisters do, for they need COM
Portable room where they may go for a
little quiet, or to plan birthday sur
prise or Christmas present.
Boys brought up in a loving home,
where they have plenty but not too
much to do, and who feel that they
are important members of the family,
will seldom have bad habits, and still
more rarely go astray.
So, mothers, be sure you know,
every day and every evening, just
what your boys are doing .-Ladies'