Milford chronicle. [volume] (Milford, Del.) 1878-1974, 1927-12-16
Home Education
'MOTHER WILL HAVE TO
DO THAT FOR YOU"
Mrs. W. B. Billy

+ Clara" said a young husband to
his wife, "do you realize that these
children of ours are beginning to
order us about very freely?"
Surely we are not permitting
that, Jim, after all we have said
about other peoples children in the
past!" exclaimed the young mother
why, we have criticized some of
our very best friends for permitting
their children to give orders too
freely. We faithfully vowed we
would see that our children should
never do anything of the sort.
The door opened and in rushed
two healthy, happy young children,
Betty aged four and Joe six.
Mother fix my stocking" COM
manded Betty.
"Hey, I'm hungry! Mother give
me something to eat," ordered Joe.
Then turning to his father he con-
tinued, Father, you'll have to fix
my wagon, it won't run"
The parents newly critical of their
children's conduct looked at each
other in dismay as they both realiz-
ed that their beloved children, with
whose training they had taken so
much care were expressing all their
desires as commands.
Children" began the mother
quietly and pleasantly as she always
addressed them, task Mother in a
prettier way to do what you wish. "
Both children looked at her in
tently for a second. Then Joe said,
Mother please may have some
thing to eat? 1 sure am hungry, and
it's most apple time, isn't it,"
"That is better"
And the mother was getting the
apples when she heard Betty saying
please, dear mother, will you please
help me fix my stocking?"
The mother catching her hus-
bands sly wink could scarcely re-
strain smile.
"Now, what do you suppose pos
sessed these children to come in
and give us orders in such an off
hand manner?" questioned the mo-
Their after the children had gone out
to play again.
"We've taught it to them, Clara.
You see they know well enough
what to say on your request, but
have you noticed that you and l
have fallen into the habit Of
Just then Betty came into the
room on her way to the toy box
with one stocking sagging in very
noticeable way.
well, Betty" exclaimed the mo-
Their, what is wrong with your
stocking again? Mother will have
to fix it for you"
"Now that is fine illustration of
what mean by saying that we have
taught the children to command us
to do things for them and to tell us
we have to do such things" said the
father few moments later when the
little daughter was again out of
hearing. eve say, just as you did
then, that we must fix this thing or
do that thing for them until we
firmly convince them that we do
have to do it, and they really mean
no impudence when they say such
things. They are merely repeating
the words we have taught them to
say"
''I regard the kindergarten as a
forerunner of the more
formalized class work which follow,
and an institution which effects the
child's growth, physically, mentally
and morally. The nature and the
welfare of the child are the domin-
ating factors in the organization of
the undergraduate N. Child,
of Schools, Salt Lake
City, Utah.
Is there a kindergarten for the
little people of your community? If
not, al etter to the National Kinder
garten Associations West Fortieth
Street, New York, will bring you
helpful advice on the subject.
II VIM can't he n sun be a star.