The Glenwood post., 1919-02-08
kindergarten
Helps for Parents
Articles IJSued by the Department
Of the Interior. BureaUof Educafio0
and the
National IkhldergartenASsociotion
AMERICAN MOTHERS
BY DR.. JENNY q. MERRILL.


The phenomenal success of Ameri-
can boys at the front after an unusu-
ally short military training was not
only u great cause of thankfulness, but
indicated that American mothers
methods of discipline had not been so
indulgent nor lax in the past as some
good critics have feared. There has
been blessing in disguise in the free
action and self-assertion that are al
lowed American children.
Fifty years ago a little book emitted
"Children's Rights appeared in this
country. Perhaps it went too far, but
children have suffered long from too
great severity. Herbert Spencer in
England wrote of children's rights as
well as of womens The words of pro-
gressive thinkers on both subjects were
needed. Later from Sweden, Ellen
Key sent out "The Century of the
Child" Later yet came from Italy
Doctor Montessori's outcry against
suppression of the child by arbitrary
discipline, and her advocacy of disci-
pline biased on liberty"
Probably all of these leaders directly
or indirectly gained much of their in
spiration and guidance from Froebel,
who dared to write even in Germany,
"Follow the Child"
Never Flourished in Germany.
Froebel, the founder of the kinder
garten, was German but not Prussan.
Prussia soon recognized that "democ-
Il ,r If
method and promptly suppressed 1t.
Many do not know that the kindergar-
ten never has flourished in Germany.
Froebel was in sense martyr and
died disappointed with his own ma
tion's rejection of the kindergarten,
but with his "eye of faith" he turned
hopefully towards America In which
country, he prophesied, his ideas
would flourish under democratic pro-
lection and guidance.
Mothers of America, many Of them,
as well as teachers, have studied kin
dergarten principles for so years and
have again and again testified to their
value.
What are these principles?" Read
Miss Emile Poulsson's Love and Law
In Child Training" This may be found
in almost any library or can be
bought from the publishers, Milton
Bradley Co., Springfield, Mass. for
81. Its very title suggests the kinder
garten's principles-love and law, but
not license.
Kindergarten discipline is loving,
steady and strong not sentimentally
weak. Kindergarten discipline prefers
positive rather than negative methods
The life of the child Is not fitted with
"don'ts," for there are so many good
things found to do, there is little time
for mischief.
For Mother and Child Alike.
Childish mistakes and mishaps are
met with patience. Mother gives the
little one time to recover himself. Self
control is her aim. Request Is pre-
ferred to force. Pollteness Is the rule
for mother and child alike. Both use
frequently "the two little golden keys.
4 thank you and IF you please"
"a soft answer turneth away wrath"
"Grievous words" are avoided because
centuries ago 1t was discovered that
they "stir up anger" There are no
loud, shrill tones, but rather quiet, de-
cided emphasis, If need be.
"Vain repetitions" having proved
themselves useless, the wise mother ac-
cepts the terse statement that "In dis
cipline one can hardly speak little
enough"
No doubt American mothers have
still to learn but well may they take
heart from their boys record in
France.