New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-03
THE FASHIONABLE MOTHER.
Her Pride in Her Children-Little Ones in
the Public Eve

The meter OF motherhood is said to be out CT
date, but. though the modern mother may have
less sentiment than her prototype OF the SOS. the
fashionable woman OF to-day takes no small pride
in the health ard personal appearance Of her chill
dren says The Ladies' Field" She orders them
pretty rrocks from her own dressmaker, employs
for them good hairdressers and the best dentists,
and engages clever teachers TO train their limbs
and give them grace OF movement. Some mothers
love TO dress their children IN the style OF days
gone bv or after the fashion OF some treasured
family picture or miniature. Others have fancy
that their little ones should appear always in
white-a somewhat expensive luxury. In sumner
all may be easy, but winter frocks OF white wool
lens, silks velvets. white felt hats ernins or
white fox fur. white wells and gloves all SO to
make d formidable bill for the patient paying
paterfamias. And most OF these favored mites
have their own jewel cases. Rich and generous
godmother gives string OF pearls as christening
gift, and sometimes the parents DO the same while
poorer mothers content themselves with buying
one pearl each birthday. hoping 10 form
complete necklace by the time the girl makes her
debut.
Children are brought more and more to the fore
in everyday life. Young mothers fond and
proud Of their children. They wish them 10 see and
be seen, and they hold 70 the belief that partcipa-
teaches worldly wisdsm and helms toward the at
tainment OF graceful manner. SO little girls have
tbe % 1pS terHnon and oftgn remain IN the
drawing room during the hour OF afternoon tea
And when they arrive at the chrysalis stage
say. from fifteen seveuteen-they are allowed 70
max Z semi appearanCe in their mothers social
circle. A state Of probation has been initiated FOR
these hedgelings: they often dine down, take
part in theatricaIS tableauX wants, or appear
at dances IN their own home or al the house OF L
married sister wearing simple la4t hl6h soWI J.:
and enjoying themselves FOR all they are worth. 10
Fashona bic weddings, too, do much Tor the eman-
custom 10 prefer children grown-uDs orides-
maids. and little maIdens rehearse this
charming role and again Small boys
are also in immense request as pages at smart
marriages.
Durfng the summer months outdoor amusements.
such as riding. cycling, motoring river parties
and garden fetes, make many opportunities for the
little people. The practice OF taking children 10
garden parties Is greatly the Increase, and
beautifully dressed little girls have become pron-
nent objects on such occasions. A children ! tent
is sometimes arranged with sfnall. low" round Ia
bes al which the tiny people have tea and discuss
straw berries and cream. Special anuseIneIts are
ALWAYS supplied for the youthful guests. such a.
swings. Punch and Judy, narionellts OF per
delirous JOY of real put, OF course captive
Garden parties for children are also much in
favor Queen Alexandra gave one Il year ago at
Palace. and several social leaders to-
lowed with similar functions ,
Charity too claims children services Dur
,,o ~ u,f1ter ard throughout the London season
bazaars etes and cafes chantants are the order OF
the day. those enle rprlse@ i@ SIIl@iI! LoIA
play prominent part. They sell proSFaIIIlles
lucky bags and present purses 10 the tCya OF
distinguished erfonage who presides over the en-
tertatnment. Little girls are genefaly SeecJed ana
for weeks beforel aud they are drilled by profess
SIGNALS. their dresses planned by costunIetS' ana
much time is taken up by the many reheaT9aI7 ana
The proprlety Of taking children - the opera IS
a moot question. Some mothers elect to do .,
hut there are oil who think that late hours,
hot air and feverish excitement VIII come soon
enough without anticipating them.