Evening star., 1924-05-14
Would Let Child Work.
Writer Says All Play Detrimental
to Character Development.
IN the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor of The Star:
May I add a word supplementary
to the talks over the radio during
Boys week" regarding the child
Every ones idea considered with
another's makes for continuity OF
action for the betterment of precon-
ceived plans.
That 1 do not agree with this idea
of so much talk about play for boys
and girls, over the age of ten, does
not mean that my ideas aren't open
to discussion, but just the fact that
1 have been a child myself makes
me able to review childhood.
One should hesitate to dive into
this subject without due thought; it
is the thoughtless word of those
grown into maturity which plants
and nourishes the weeds of thought
in the child, a. condition none of US
would, for moment, desire from
our own word or act, and yet we can
trace in after life. where progress
has been hampered, because of the
unfortunate utterances of false con-
cepts and misdirected kindness, even
this idea of play.
1t is admitted that ~all work and
NJ play makes Jack a dull boy" but
there is another maxim, Satan finds
some mischief still for idle hands
(minds) to do" and as true as
Isaiah's "line upon line, line upon
cept upon precept."
This is such a full question, so vital
to so many little ones, that great
care and study should be given be-
fore a decision and the active in
stigators should be wise as ser
pents."
1t is a conceded fact that between
the ages of ten and sixteen years is,
perhaps, the most vital period of any
child's life and wholesome employ
for character development at time
that never comes again into any life
I have seen children get tired of play
and group together on the ground and
sit for hours, and / cannot help but
think that here is pitfall yawning
child, the opportunity evil communi-
cations is looking for, or they go home
cross and i'll natured, because the body
is tired and fretted; so for conscience
sake. let those who are interested in
childhood look to it that all angles are
studied, for the best good of the COM
ing generations.
Play is the very least, really, to con-
and makes its own place. You find
many anemic, frail children among the
idle, and many grow up with distorted
ideas of what life really means, and it
is significant, If one stops to think 1t
out
The children need real friends. not
faddists. Do be the real friend and con-
slider the future in planning for their
happiness. Make them individuals
with individuality, at the start, because
they are going to fight it out on this
line with self-will and rebellion, and
between the ages of ten and sixteen.
The world is not playground, nor
is life joke, the idea doesn't make
them good citizens; it does make them
selfish and inconsiderate of their neigh
Dor; give them character first what
ever happens, then the mental develop
ment will take care of itself, as surely
as day follows night.
i am speaking, now, from the view
point that we have all been children,
and who Of US are without some qualmS
and anxiety for our own children,
turned out on the vacant lot or stand.
ing idly on the street corner, until 10
and after, at night can Iook PACK
now to think of the temptations, in
conversation, in acts and in thought.
At this age the liberty given to
children is infinitely more vital be-
cause of the many angles ofhdanger
surrounding them and it seems un-
fair to the child.
Give the young a chance, by moth
ers and fathers being in unison, then
the child can't throw out, ANN or
Johns mother let them do thus and
So" thereby breaking down some
good rule for the other mother and
child.
It is the home we want to look out
for, to make it the center, where we
can manifest a happy, alert sense of
service: to teach, at the right time,
protective thoughts for themselves
and others. Can we do this If we
turn our children loose on the vacant
lot from early morning until night?
Children are sensitive beings, and
they have a deeper nature than they
are given credit for. We should rec
ognize this, and treat them accord
ingly. Correct them in private, IL
necessary--it has a better result, and
gains unrebellious obedience and a
loftier understanding of each other.
Something to- do'' grows with the
child If you make them understand
that 1t Is to be their experience in
after life; it is training them to be
better citizens, to be more -considerate
of others and teaches them that life
is not a, huge play hour.
1t will help them to play later on,
because the early working experience
has stabilized their character, and
given them thought and discretion.
L. D. WHITE.