The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1898-04-06

her parents are neither rich nor poor.
She has had the sort Of training which
Is usually given to an American girl.
That is, she Is good-hearted. but wilful,
somewhat selfish. fond Of good clothes,
bright, but not very studious, fond of
fun and romps, as all healthy girls
should, but not anxious to stay at
home and help her mother How shall
we train this girl to become a true,
noble, helpful woman and mother?
In the first place let us look to her
health. She has almost reached the
growing period" and she needs to be
looked after carefully. Her eyes should
be tested to find II her sight be normal,
for herein often lies the cause of head
aches, eye strain and nervousness gen.
rally. If there is any defect it should be
remedied at once by giving her a differ
ent seat at school, closer to the black
essary by the use Of glasses. Her hear
Ing must be tested also, for frequently
children are called stupid and re-
preached before their schoOlmates, when
they are unable to hear. At this time,
too, bad habits are apt to be formed
and her actions must be closely watched
without her knowledge, however Do
not think that because she Is your own
girl there Is no danger of her having
been contaminated. Some of the girls
least likely to be suspected are too Oft
en- misled. Study all Of her symptoms,
and make sure that her mind is pure
and her habits likewise I maintain that
children who have a mothers watchful
care and a mothers sympathy from in
fancy will never acquire evil habits
BUT there is always danger from with
out. hence the Importance of watching
her movements and knowing her play
mates at this age. I have known one
girl to corrupt whole town, boys and
girls alike. If there be such a girl in
your town, help them at once, ere your
own children are ruined, physically,
mentally and morally.
At about II years our girl enters tho
period Of fastest growth, which lasts
for about three years. Then growth Is
much slower until her height is reached
Her largest muscles and joints are
where growth begins, together with the
brain cells that control them. The
smaller muscles, which move the fingers,
foqtur0c ~
rapidly, and great care should be taken
that these are not fatigued, as growth
Is then arrested, and mental develop
ment stopped with them. For this rea-
son, In requiring fine work, such as
reading, writing and sewing, the great
est caution should be used These mus
cles should be exercised in large move
ments, rather than in small. To re-
quire a child to sit still is to require it
to he mentally inactive.
At this period, if it has not been done
before, life-book should be started for
our girl, in which entries should be made
frequently Of her weight, measurements.
Incidents Of her life. characteristics,
scraps of conversation, and descriptions
Of diseases, If any she may have. H.
lustrate this with photographs you can
take yourself, and you will have treas
ure which you will not part with for its
weight in diamonds. This record, If
properly kept. will enable you to find out
what her abilities and deficiencies are,
and train her accordingly. Let me say
a few words here about the clothing
which our girl should wear. Let it be
simple, made of durable materials that
will stand all the romping she wants
to do (you see, believe in much ply
steal aetivity-it means corresponding
mental growth) and don't put much
starch, lace or embroidery into it. First
let her have knit union suits of different
degrees of thickness for our variable
climate, stockings supported from the
shoulders, a muslin union suit next, or
waist to which her drawers are buttoned.
a pair of the much derided boomers
(the color Of her dress, If possible) in
place of skirt, also buttoned to the
waist or union suit, and dress which
should be made princess fashion, either
In one piece or sleeveless. worn over a
guimpe. Avoid a stiffened waist or cor
set as you would an abomination. Wear
1t yourself If you think you must, but
don't put one On your girl. Corsets, and
skirts simply fastened around the waist
without support. are responsible for more
female weakness than all other things
put together-and we don't want our
girl to be weak, anywhere Let her
wear broad-toed, broad-soled shoes, a
hat or cap which will protect her eyes.
no veil Except when worn for warmth)
large-sized gloves, and know that she
will be healthy and comfortable
Is, If she have proper food, plenty OF
pure air, and good bathing.
From the age of 10 until the school
years are over we must pay especial at
tention to the food we give our girl. It
is perfectly natural for her to digest
as much during this period as a man
who works moderately hard, and If she
does not, we may we'll feel concerned
about her, for her brain is likely to be
developed at the expense of her body.
This we cannot allow, for all of the most
important organs of her body make