The Delta independent., 1919-10-17

vation and direction. II is manifest
ed in the love Of little girls for their
dolls and in the devotion of the boys
to their pets. II this quality of nur.
ture, is not exercised or properly d.
rected, it withers; for affections must
be exercised II they are to develop.
We often see spoiled children in
American families, where all their de-
sires are gratified without effort on
their own part and they are given
no opportunity to serve. Many moth
er virtually makes a slave of herself
for her children, humoring every
whim, and relieving them of all care.
trouble and responsibility, only to
find when they are grown that they
are utterly selfish and inconsiderate.
Unfortunate, too. the only child or
the youngest child of the family, who
is overindulged, with no more depen-
dent member of the household to call
forth his tender feelings. Herein lies
one great value of the kindergarten,
where children are given no oppor-
tunities to help those younger than
themselves.
For the child without companions
in the home, the parent should pro-
vide occasions that require service or
sacrifice for others. Arrange to have
his friends come frequently to play
with your little one, and share his
toys. suggesting that his guest should
have the best.
Adaptability is gained through COM
panionship with ones equals. From
association with boys. little girls learn
something of fair play, and become ac,
quainted with the sturdier virtues;
while, from girls, the boys learn to
have a chivalrous attitude toward
womankind.
The instinct of nurture is developed
through the care of garden or pets,
for a child must exercise thought and
put it into practice, in order to OBJ
tain results. Then. too, generosity
and respect are stimulated by shar-
ing the fruits of his care, little bo-
quet for mother. a head of lettuce for
a neighbor, an extra kitten for play.
mate.
If pets have young, the child's moth
er should call attention to the care
of the mother for her little ones, and
her courage and self-sacrifice whenev
er the young are endangered. The
child should be taught to take entire
charge of his pets, to weed and care
for Ilis garden. IL he is to receive the
full benefit in character development
and receive the self-respect which
comes from responsibility accepted
Then. too. good manners which
spring form consideration are as es-
sential to the happiness of the world
as good morals. and parents should be
examples of both to their children.
How often virtuous people make us
unhappy by their lack of tact! Cour-
tesy and graciousness smooth out the
rough places of life. A tiny boy of
three can raise his hat and one at 5
can rise and push mothers chair into
place. When older people enter a
room, children should rise; in fact.
they should be taught to practice all
the little daily civiities. But cour-
teous maners are taught slowly, for
precept must be upon precept, pre-
cept upon precept; line upon line: line
upon line; here little and there a
little" Many man of good charac-
ter has greatly limited his usefulness
by lack of polish" because his moth
er. either from stupidity or over indul-
gence. neglected his social training.
At this momentous time, it is es-
peciaily important that all means pos
sible be employed to foster the in