The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1916-05-20
DEVELOPNENT OF TEE CHTLD-MIND.

A young tree IN the first few years
of it's life must be cared for, shielded
from bruises, knocks, and injuries of
all kinds 1t also must be Watered and
given earth from which 1t can obtain
nourishment. After 1t has grown large
enough so that 1t roots reach far into
the soil, artificial support may be with
drawn. It has gained strength enough
to enable II to resist the injuries which
would have been fatal while the tree
was small and tender
Any slight injury to tree when it Is
small plant will result IN a serious de-
feet and perhaps a dwarfing of the
growth. The result IS a useless shrub,
robbing the earth of its substance, in
stead Of 2 magnificent tree, thing OF
beauty and usefulness
The child, in the first years of life
must have the assistance and prOtec-
ton of those who are experienced,
whose judgement has been developed
by toll, JOY, success or failure
Every aiiment or complaint of child
hood and youth should be watched and
cared for; the things that seem small
and trivial In children are the things
that may develop into diseased condi-
tions which injure beyond repair ply
sically, mentally and morally.
Things that do not impress the fully
impression on the young and imagina-
tive mind. The more susceptible q
child's mind to suggestions and in
fiuences, the more intelligent Is the
child. Any teacher viii verify this
statement.
Children should not be started TO
school until the mind has reached the
stage of development where it can do a
little more than initiate. This in the
average child Is IN the seventh or eigth
year
Wise parents do not sit back con
tentedly and say that their children
will never do so, land so" because
they have taught them differently;
neither do they condemn other peoples
children who have gotten into trouble,
because they understand that 1t is the
present, the thing that is now happen
ing that influences young minds, and
for this reason children must be con-
stantly surrounded with right influences
Just now it seems that every scenario
editor or whoever is responsible for the
staging of the movies, has a mania
for cigarette smoking heroes. Prac-
tically every Photo hero the last year
has been Cigarette fiend. Why to
be man who accompEsheS things must
one be an inveterate smoker?
The impression on thousands of boys
between the ages of ten and twenty
has been so strong that they have be
come smokers. You may say "Oh,
they are weaklings,' but you are
wrong. They are, in the main, strong
sturdy, intelligent beings endeavoring
to follow those who, to them, are lead
ers in human accomplishments of to-
day.
Girls and boys should not be over
praised for merit, or praised at all un-
less they deserve it, but, when they are
deserving we should tell them SO.
Every one of US appreciate being told
of a good deed we have done; so do
children of all ages, and it will cause
them to strive for still better accomp-
lishment as VIII nothing else.
Never forget to point out the good
as well as the bad, when criticizing the
efforts of young people and children,
if you would have them believe you are
just and that you really wish to help
them. No one appreciates justice more
than they and no one recognizes it so
quickly.
Perhaps our neighbor, who is not
child, would also appreciate this.
DR.. 7. H. Clover.