The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-05-29
- NHYOUR CHILDREN
 By Olive Roberts 6srtoo .
6Isss 6YNZz SfSNes. Ml'
MOTHERS, TOO, LEARN BY
 EY YpERUENCE


 Let us begin today with an apology, It is this. In my ar- ticles l frequently criticize the methods of "certain" mothers. l do this without animus or indict- ment. I find, however, that by calling attention to the mistakes of other people (and include my self in this, for no mother is in- fallible) there are brought home to us many things we may avoid. Very often it happens that certain mistakes of our own would never occur to us unless someone called to our attention the fact that someone else has done it too.
 Some of the things I criticize most are done by women I like best. Some of them are things l do, or have done, myself until l had my own eyes opened. And l still make many mistakes. As my children grow older I see, every day, where should like to go back and correct things I did not know about at this time." 'I Was the Mrs. Brown" Not long ago l talked to a wo- man who was sure 1 had her in mind when I wrote certain ar- ticle. When I discovered what the article was about I laughed. My dear!" cried. There is only one person on earth who could possibly be offended by that story and that is myself. I was the Mrs Brown of that tale. often write about my mistakes both present and past. I wasn't even thinking of you
 It is the mother who is alert to her own mistakes who makes the most progress. The one with the closed mind may see too late what she has done, or not done. For instance a friend of mine some years ago had two girls over six years of age when a boy baby came along. She had always boasted of knowing how to handle children without the aid of any specialist or a book. She never welcomed suggestions.
 She had made a good job of her girls. Finer, more straight-for- ward, unspoiled and unprejudieed little children I never knew, but the boy from his cradle was diff ferent. He had will, he had a temper, and the usual methods of regularity, firmness, and kindness did not work. He was a young devil from way back so it seem- ed.
 Partnership Proves Solution Then, at last she acknowledged that she had to have help to con- trol him. She was willing to own that she could not possibly make the grade alone.
 This little boy was very affec- tionate. He was also very, very intelligent. Said I, You have a child who will mature mentally very quickly. Naturally he will be impatient. Such children all ways are. Be careful that he does not become impatient with you. You can never control him. once in while we have g. child of strong character who never can be controlled as we know the word in its usual sense. You will have to make it a partnership and gain your influence that way. Keep him very busy and be busy with him. Once he bolts, your last vestige of influence will be gone
 Guide him, but don't over-boss him."
 She listened. She stopped hei other methods. She and the boy became great chums and had won. derfully jolly times together. She was on the verge of losing him, but she went for help in time and took advice. The only way to reach that child was through a fifty-fifty friendship and a rein made of rub Der instead of leather.