Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-26
THE LITTLE INVALIDS.
How to Amuse and Care for the
Young Patients.

From the Philadelphia Ledger
How to make happy the weary hours Of
her darlings who are ill is the problem
which engages many a mother Just now
30 much depends on the nature OF the ILL.,
ness, and the patients condition from
Gay to day, that no precise rules can lie
laid down. Fortunately, children who have
good constitutions usually pass through
the discusses of childhood without any
grave complications. Very often, the
physician Will say, there is really rot
much to be done, except 10 keep the child
warm ard happy, and guar1 the eyes from
strong light OF much use.
Some OF us can look back upon our turn
OF chlokSiIroX, measles and The rest of
the list as a time when we received the
undivided attentions of a devoted mother:
perchahce held court in her own room
ana ate Invalid fare from her Jaintiest
CHINA. Even The fast 1ading memory of
some discomfort We exp erienced is made
sweet with the recollection Of the touch OF
the soft mother hand that brought COM
lcrt to burning flesh or aching brows. To
SCch there Will be no lack of inSpiratio as
to what to do for their own little ones.
There is nothing more vital than cheer
1CIness THIS the mother must maintain
under all circumstances. A child that is
Ill VIII naturally be restless and freiful.
1t Is best to take this for granted. Tho
gifted and ready story teller has a great
Helc now, for the story told now often
lSsseSSeS greater interest IMAM one read
hom book. A rapid reader can edit as
she reads leaving out long words ard
adding little explanations which make
what Is read fit the listener better Moth
ing lessons petty Ills SO effcctually as oc-
cupying the mind with pleasant thoughts
Tears are often lest suppiantad by d.
verting the mind with and happy
ideas. Even the meal times may be made
source of amusement whaIeve. n lit
tie patient may eat should be served IN
the most attractive way. The tray, with
81 owy dolly. and. whenever possible a
hCWer or green leaf to grace 4, even the
dishes used should be attractive. One lit
tie invalid derived endless pleasure from
trying to guess what pretty cup would
next hold his milk
little girl Will find comfort I'm having
one OF her dolls duly attired in robe de
mutt to stay in bed with her. If the dis
eese is contagious, like scarlet fever no
playthings or books should be used in the
sick rec m. except those You are willing to
burn afterwards. Therefore pictures and
all sorts of paper toys will be Of service. A
pair Of scissors and a supply of wrap
ping paper will furnish paper dolls with
out stint. Every one knows how to fold
piece Of paper and cut a paper doll II
something rsady-made liz desired the
sheets of paper dolls, amin ais and dolls
furniture are very pleasing. The cutting
out of these affords great amusement. The
animals and horses can have a little strip
OF paper pasted on the back, so they will
stand up, and can be grouped on the bed
II the little patient is still Under the COW
ers.
1t Is not a light task to care for ana
entertain child that is Ill: The wise mo-
Their will avail herself of every opportu-
nifty to secure much headed RESI-.