White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1925-09-04
HOME EDUCATION
Correcting Children in Public

Esther Hull Doolittle
Children must, of course, be repri-
manded at times; they must OCCASION
ally be taken seriously to task for
misdemeano9ss. But why, oh why! do
mothers deem it right and proper to
do this in public? Everywhere one
sees it. On street cars, and in all
sorts of public places, the irate moth
err, voice raised, berates Willie or
Lilly loudly foil some fault or other.
Often there's no question but what
the child richly merits punishment, but
whenever I witness an adult exhibit
ton of anger and juvenile display OF
misbehavior, it seems to me that the
adult deserves punishment much more
than the child. Moreover, it does not
the slightest good to create a scene.
Here is case. A young mother,
obviously more interested in the wax
like polish of her fingernails than in
her small daughters comfort enters
a street car. The child removes her
hat, the mother slams it back; the
child, plainly over-tired screams and
cries while the mother, very angry,
sco.ds and slaps. The little girl con-
tinues to cry loudly until their desti.
nation is reached to the discomfort OF
their fellow passengers. This misguid-
ed woman would have advanced her
own interest infinitely more had she
permitted the poor tired child to have
her way, at the time, and saved her
corrections until later.
After all, whose fault is it but the
mothers if the child is over-tired?
Quite aside from that, public repri-
rnand adds resentment to the already
overburdened emotional capacity and,
seemingly, more power to lungs and
legs.
I had one sad experience along this
line when I was young and foolish.
During some city Notification / took
my daughter, aged four, to see the
daytime festivities. Naturally the
crowds and confusion were too much
for so young child and she became
over-tired. In my inexperience, I
failed to read the danger signals and
hastened on to my undoing. My
small daughter, by the way had au-
burn locks and the quick inflammable
disposition which usually accompanies
them. She desired balloon and
gleefully purchased golden one that
matched her hair. Unsuspectingly and
peacefully we waited on the corner for
a home-bound street car. Suddenly
pop! the hot sun had vanquished the
balloon! Small daughter began to
cry and sensing the real grief behind
the tears, sought another balloon.
Apparently there wasn't another gold
en- one in the world and no color but
that would suit the overweight baby.
In fury she stamped her little
feet and screamed. If nice large
and hungry earthquake had come along
then and swallowed us up I'd have
been grateful, but my embarrassment
led me to a solution of the problem.
Since I knew that scolding would only
aggravate the matter, bent down and
put my arms around her. At first
she struggled but quickly whispered
Look, look dear, everybody's watch
ing us. No one else is crying in the
street" 1t worked like magic. She
looked up quickly and ceased explod-
ing at once. I seized the opportunity
to divert her attention to a passing
watering cart and the day was saved.
I am aware that scheme which
would be effective with sensitive
child might be Of no use with other
types. However, am sure that no
boy or girl is improving or benefited
by correction in public for the simple
reason that some do not feel the hui
are usually made more angry and re-
initiation anyway, and those who do
ale usually made more angry and re-
sentful by it. In any case, have pity
on the public.