Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-04-29
Doiag Justice to One,s Child

The nursery world, says the author
| OF recent book on the Twentieth cen
fury child, may be divided into three
parasitic neglected child. and fine
pampered child and the child who is
tended to the very best of its parents
ability.
Now. as far as these first two classes
are concerned, l think that there has
I heen a great deal of eXaggeration, AL
| though many remarks as to the mis-
management OF children in fashionable
I houses are Just, the abnormal child life
IS to be found in very small portion of
society. 1t Is bad business, but ii very
restricted one. | am afraid that where
Il exists 1t Is beyond hope of redemp-
ton.
Many of these children would be bet
ter brought up if they could be left to
| the deputy-mother, the guardian with
plenary powers.
The guardian must be a refined lady
OF experience, tact and patience If
such deputy can be supplied it is not
necessary that women who have Socia
and intellectual demands on their time
should spend half their lives in the
nursery.
But there are too many busy women
very often unnecessarily busy women
who cannot afford this deputy. Their
duty is to make their children their first
at bridge and afternoon parties The
really busy woman of serious occupations
need never neglect Eer children. even if
she cannot afford the hghly-trained
nurse or governeSs. 1t is merely mat
ter Of arranging her time.
| am fairly busy myself. but | know
every detail Of the daily routine. food.
clothing and occupation of the nursery.
Without this knowledge no mother can
be sure that the best deputy is taking
her place when she is absent from the
nursery.
Nor must the hours that the busy
woman gives her children he the ia =
ends OF the day. One cannot hope to
gain place in their lives unless one
gives them the best of oneself. The
chief point is never to be tired" when
you are with your children. 1t is Il
difficult task, but You will live to regret
it in their merciless criticism if you
grudge the time you give. And SO one
should never let anything interfere with
certain hours of cOmpanionShip, rides or
walks, or evening talks. However busy
one has to he one can fit them in some
how If one makes up ones mind to do so.
Most homes, | am glad to think, are
arranged for the children's welfare. and
If only people would understand that the
simpler and more human children's joys
and pleasures are the happier they are.
cess of their nurseries.
1t is not in hot rooms. at dances and
theaters. but in Gods out-of-doors, -
that Il child becomes ones real compan-
ion-in garden or stables or in rambling
walks, where natures book shows thrill
ing pictures at every moment of the year.
Children need no teaching to be thrilled
with excitement ut the first snowdrop.
All the wonder of opening leaf and
flower, and the mystery of new birth are
theirs as they search for primrose daffo-
dill and watch the young lambs at play.
No time can dull the memory of the keen
JOY of bird-nesting, of the first hunts for
baby rabbits and dormcc and dappled
fawns. The pond at tadpole time is Il
world of wonders, full of living mystery.
And then in winter. what lessons of sim
pie Kindness can be taught 10y caring for
the birds and making friends with robiR
and thrush by feeding them.-Detroit
Free Press.