The Washington herald., 1913-02-27
MISTAKE TO DO TOO
MUCH FOR CHILDREN
Constant Sacrifice for Them Dwarfs
Their Spirit Of Ap-
By FRANCES sHAFFER.


1t is very beautiful. the relation of par
cnt to child, when it is all 1t can be, all
that nature meant It to be.
In the years of dependence, of helpless
ness, and of growth it exacts much in the
way of sacrifice. patience and broodinG
care. all extended with wealth of devo-
tion that makes the giving easy and nat
ural.
AS time goes on and an age is reached
when little minds and bodies become act
i've and more less independent. 1t is still
a pleasure and an easy duty for parents
10 drop self from their reckoning and to
devote themselves. heart and soul, to the
appealing task OF making life sweet and
as smooth and easy as may be for the
little folks who are dearer than life to
them.
Ofhand. one would say that parents
could not do too much to show the
strength of their love and their willing
ness to sacrifice, because there is an ele-
ment OF duty involved, well as the
beautiful flavor of love. and 1t Is right
that sacrifice should loom big and high
in that duty.
1t is true that parents owe much to
the children they start in life. but 1t is
very easy to let the protection, the foster
ing care, and unstinted devotion pour
forth so freely. giving all and asking
nothing in return, that the young folks
grow to take it all for granted.
Get Wrong idea.
And there the mistake begins.
For it is a mistake TO do so much for
children when they reach discerning
years that they come to believe, no mat
ter what others may do or fail to do. that
they have a right to look to parents for
sacrifice. a right TO be considered first Of
all and a right 10 be sheltered from every
thing harsh and unpleasant regardless of
the cost.
1t Is pretty certain to dwarf or stif1e
the spirit of appreciation and the tender
showing of Difference and love that ought
TO be spontaneous. for not many folk.
whether they are little or big, can stand
overflow of homage.
And the worst of it is that children
who have accepted all the sacrifice. all
tho unequa! devotion and care. without
a thought Of returning in kind. are not
unmindful. not unseeing and oblivious
of the cost when others are involved.
And the difference is right here-Others
have not been 50 forgetful of self: they
have looked for recognition. have en-
pected to be shielded no less than to
shield. to he loved no less than to love.
1t Docs Not Pay.
Among folk who have plenty of means.
funds to educate, to furnish all sorts OF
pleasures and to make life very alllur-
ing. il still docs not pay to let every
thing drop in waiting Jap. II pays
wonderfully. beautifully. pays to lead
the little folk along a way that will make
them want to administer to the comfort.
the happiness Of parents and to show
the difference that their young hearts
feel.
But in the main. they must he urged
n bit. influenced once or twice in a
while IL realize that mother or father
should como first and that while they
freely accept all that the fondest,
most loving parent can give, they must
remember that they. too. should take
delicate ways 10 show their love.
There may he exhibitions more prac-
tical, but surely none is moro beautiful
ur impressive than a showing of real
difference from child TO parent, the kind
Of CuufAiness and care that reach down
to the little things when they arc at
stake and up 10 the big practical things
when they are involved.
But generally those exhibitions come
not by way of exceeding less selfshness
an the part of the parent, but by little
regard for self
Have Different Lives.
II sometimes happens that parents will
deny themselves luXuries. comforts. even
things We count the bareSt necessities,
for the sake of keeping their children
well dressed and of Internationally equip
ping them for good and comfortable
station in life. They are shabby them
selves that their boys and girls may
look trim and in style and may be well