The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1892-02-23

matter of fact children can be allowed
to invent their own amuseinen.s. They do it
with far moro pleasure to themselves than
they get when their wishes are anticipated
and nnumerable p!aythings and games pro-
vided.
The wise mother knows that fingers are al
ways restless for occupation, that little bodies
ache to move about. 1t is the refinement OF
cruelty to require q Child to sit still unless it's
hands and eyes are busy; especially IS this
the case during tho first eight years OF its
childhood.
Our variable climate often prevents open
air games for weeks ct time; then, unless
the mother has in reserve some good ideas for
the amusement of her small children, they be-
come victims Of ennui, a5 grown people DO
and therefore fretfu.
The possibilities lRtentin a ball of stout cord
kept two little lads OF four and SIX IN a de-
lightful state of busy happiness for exactly
three weeks during rainy spell, when the
water-soaked ground and dripping skies for
babe even a half hours romp out OF doors.
1t is promised that the little follows played
under a judicious eye.
double team was improvised where ono
boy harnessed the other to the rocking chair
shafts, and both became FESTIVE steed, at once;
the movements of the chair contributed
largely to the success Of the play and the con-
slant loosenng of cords traces, biting OF cord
bits. and general repairing OF treacherous
harness occupied moro hours than any ono
not familiar with childish methods could be-
lieve possible.
Have you ever noticed that children's plays
consist mainly in preparing to play? Tho
games best liked are those where most circurl-
locution is required to reach certain point.
After the coach and pair lost its fascination,
the cord was turned into vast system OF tel
egraph wires. Strung from bed to mantel,
thence up hill to convenient picture hook,
down dale to a chair back, from that point to
q table, to the cord of the window shade, the
knob OF the door, the bureau drawer handles,
etc. ; life and limb were Imperfect i'll making
ones way about without interfering with the
paper messages fiuttering along the wires"
Each point was town, or somebody's house,
sweet childish petition to bod" to make
the flowers grow" to tho demand upon the
groceryman at the corner to "send some nuts"
A few judcious suggestions start child's
ideas i'll the right direction; an impending
usurpation OF tho rights and privileges of
Master Six-year-old by MasterFour-year-old
could be turned aside by timely diversion OF
both thought and wire to another point:
With some old papers and the magic cord,
parcels were wrapped and delivered and
called for. A handful of nuts, al apple cut
in quarters some crackers were wrapped rs
groceryman, delivered rs driver, received as
butler, and eaten as buyer, all tho while
few suggestions, little assistance with rcfrac-
tory knots, gentle ChlulnS 1Of INC 100 Nasty
retOrt kept peace.
Yes, pair of blunt pointed scissors, some
large spoos upon which to roll numberlcSs
lengths OF cord, and ball fgood, stout twlne,
costing g few cents, may be depended upon to
afford amusement for days.
When o little solitary is considered, the task
is somewhat harder Here plan that
achieved unexpected and delightful success
was to provide small swinging blackboard
and plenty of chalk ind give the young idea
chance to draw. A fiat ruler. wet sponge
and q dry cloth were tho simple accessories.
AS an actual fact this means to an end, never
failed to afford amusement many hours day
during Indoors weather" The board was
small enough to be carried from one room to
another, and a little box at the side held all
the paraphernaia. AS merely q matter OF III
dividual taste, do not believe in lacking on
moral, but it will occur to all that many
figure and letter and simple word could be
taught by this amusement, simply through
the natural imitativeness OF childhood.
A square of soft pine board smOothed so that
no splinters NAV do mischief, tiny hammer
and five-cent paper of tacks form combna-
ton to satisfy a restless child with no COM
panion better than French dolls and elaborate
games. Ones nerves must be under control
to stand this, but it gives the three
things children crave-motion, noise and the
formation of something, however indefinite,
by their own hands the effort to hammer IN
the form of q circle, diamond. star, will
often occupy child for hours.
1t should be practice with those who have
children in charge to insist upon the habit OF
putting away playthings; otherwise the al
ready overtaxed mother becomes the veriest
slave. If small amount OF persuasion will
not avail, take few moments to insist, and
see that the duty is performed Children for
get; mothers ought not and while it is no
doubt easier to gather the little ones toys and
"tidy up" ones SELF it is an injustice to the
child. 1t starts the growth Of careless habits.