The Washington times., 1928-12-28
Too NJ any Are
Not So Good
for Them


Enany-too nany-chillren who
need clothing, food and toys which
never seem to come their way, but
today let us consider the other
type Of child, the type which
seems to be even more prevailing
than the needy one. This is the
child of average American par
Onts whose big problem, even
though he himself does not sense
It, lies in having too much.
Christmas has come and gone,
and we have all witnessed the
flushed cheeks, the outbursts of
temper at the tag-end of the day
which resulted from excitement
over too many new possessions at
one time for the small member of
the family. The wise mother,
whether it be at Christmas, on
birthdays or on any occasion for
gifts which are just that many
too many, and gives them at an
other time.
Presents TO children, while
nearly always given in the spirit
of love and with a desire to- wit
ness the delight of the tiny
recipient, often defeat their own
purpose.
A gift to child should mean
something to him. beside instilling
Il sense of glory in possession.
food behavior should not be re-
sarded by material possessions
9ur child should be taught to do
Ilat is right. because only in
aying certain unselfish priciples
social laws can any of us
any liberty or happiness.
would not think of approach
5 the manager of dry-goods
store and saying to him:
Mr.. Jones, have been in your
store for one hour. I have stolen
nothing. have been courteous
to those who served me. / have
not pushed over any of your glass
ware and broken it. therefore. I
expect you to give me a pound
of candy or the latest mystery
story-book from your book depart
ment."
You would never think of making
such foolish demand, and If YOU
did-what then? If Mr.. Jones
said to you, That was a good
little woman to be so nice TODAY.
Ill give you the candy or .he
book, I" just figure ahead as to
what your reaction would he.
Why, If all the managers of other
stores refused to reward YOU in
the same manner, you would feel
that you could act as crudely or
piggishly as your mood dictated
while visiting their establishments.
wouldn't you?
BY the same token. If we paw
q child in material gifts for good
behavior. we pay him for doing
what he should do anyway. How
Is he going to behave for some.
one who refuses to pay his price?
ReWardlng child for some act
which we desire is an easy and
cowardly way to gain our own
ends, but it is so unfair to him.
outsiders are going to expect de.
cent, thoughtful behavior as a
matter of course and they have
no intention of paying for it.
Childhood should abound in un-
expected little gifts-happy sur. ,
prises, simple. delightful things
ct a time. With the surplus of
Christmas and birthday gifts,
should fill Rainy Day box. Then
when lowering skies and cold, wet
days keep the youngster impris.
soned, let him choose one gift
from this box and thoroughly en-
JOY it. They are all wrapped
separately. of course, so that on
each occasion for selection there
WIN be a great surprise. This
treasure box will help you amuse
. child who is confined to his bed
Tor a few days, too. or from it
your child may select a gift to
be taken to some other child who
must sstay indoors temporarily.
And. / hope (while considering
presents), that you do not bring
your youngster a present every
time you return home from down.
town. Let him look forward with
happiness to your return because
he wants to see you, not what
you may have wrapped up in a
bundle. If you see toy which
you feel that he must have give
it to him later. Don't make it a
reward for staying at home hap
PLY while you take a shopping
trip. If you leave him in compe-
tent hands, you have every right
to a little excursion. You don't
need to buy that right with a
present.