The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-13


I that the benefits to be derived from reg
ular allowance are greater than the selfish
qualification of the parent who wishes to
give TO please himself. Surely the future
welfare of the child is of greater impor-
tance than the present qualification OF the
parent.
Many parents who are disposed TO give
a regular allowance TO their children have
not done so for the reason that they cannot
decide what would be a proper amount to
| give them. This is a question which par
| ents must decide for themselves. However,
| 1t should not be forgotten that, other things
being equal, the smaller the amount the
better for the child. Too many children
have been trained by their parents to be-
come spendthrifts long before they have
left the parental roof. The children OF some
parents will need more than the children of
others. Five cents each week will seem
more TO some children than would five dol
ars to others. In most cases the first-men-
toned amount would be far better than the
larger amount: however, the age and the
proper demands upon the child and other
considerations must determine the amount
to be allowed.
ONE PRACTICAL METHOD.
4 considering
the matter, the writer gives the details OF
plan used with his own children.
Each child was provided with a pocket
book or small bank, for the care Of which
each was made entirely responsible, that
he might learn to guard against the re-
suits of carlessness.
On Monday evenings a certain amount OF
money was given to each child The effort
II
ically. Only in this way would the children
learn TO be regular and systematic.
Each one was required TO save at least
one-half of his weekly allowance. In this
way 1t was hoped that the children might
be taught habits of economy and OF pro-
viding for the future.
The other one-half was entirely at the
disposal of each child. This was done that
he might learn to exercise judgment In the
| expenditure Of money. The only supervi-
| sion of this amount was such as was nec-
essary TO prevent 1t being used for what
might be injurious to their health. Certain
kinds of candy were the only articles which
| they were not allowed 10 buy. Six per cent.
interest was paid upon all in their possess
sion at the end OF each month. This en-
couraged them to save a part Of that which
thus learned quite early the meaning OF
interest. as well as the method OF paying II.
The money saved could be exepnded only
| for such things as the parent approved
In this way they were taught to rely TO a
| considerable extent upon themselves, and
yet to be governed by the parents judg-
ment until they proved their ability to de-
eide wisely for themselves.
In cas affhar ono uyfahaI 20 t,,,,
which required the expenditure of more
money than the amount at his command
the matter was brought to the attention OF
the parent. If the parent approved sufi-
cient money was advanced. and a mortgage
on the article was given by the child.
| AS the child's age increased the amount
of money increased and the RESPONSE
bility of buying certain articles of clothing
was thrown upon each. BY the time the
child reached the age OF fourteen years it
was found that. after consultation with the
parent, it was perfectly safe to allow him
| TO purchase many OF his own clothes.
Where there was any doubt about the ad-
visibility of leaving the child entirely free.
the parent accompanied the child for the
purpose Of giving such advice as was need
ed From the time they were eight years
| olu lHtg htIc W bhg ciAdhA df-
| ticIes of dress. with no one TO suggest what
| should be selected.
AS the children got older II was found
quite satisfactory TO change slightly the
] method outlined above. In place OF giving
| all the money TO the children. the parent
kept an account with each one Each was
credited with a certain amount weekly.
Against this amount 10 their credit they
| could draw at any time. as In the previous
method suggested. When the amount
reached s. il was deposited in a savings
bank. and each was allowed 20 have entire
charge OF his own account.
While many would change the plan TO
suit their own ideas, II Is believed that
some such plan as the one mentioned might
well be adopted by the majority OF the
parents.
A Lynn (Mass.) shoe factory recently
| made a pair OF womens shoes 10 see how
| rapidly IL could be done The making re-
| quired five operations, the use OF forty-
/ two machines aud 100 pieces. and the shoes
4 In ire -