The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-02-11
FAVOUR
 CHILDREN
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vvhat Ia a snoiled child l?

What Is a spoiled child?
 Strange how that name came to be selected in describing the, little boy or girl who is all he shouldn't be and nothing that he should. The gobriquet relieves him of re- sponsibility and puts 1t on others. He is a result of something when "spoiled." It means that care has not been taken to save the good.
 Someone said of George Wash- ington. "I do not think Washing ton was so wonderful. I think his father was wonderful for produc- ing and developing such a boy"
 And 50 1t Is with us. Our chfl- dren reflect their handling. If they are fine they reflect us. If they are spoiled they also reflect us.
 Children are supposed to be happy to grow up normally and well. This is true, absolutely, SC long as we don't confuse happi- ness with excitement. Real hap piness depends as much upon abil- ity to accept things as they come as upon the qualification of wishes.
 Unhappy Time Ahead
 The spoiled child who has been humored, who has never learned to take disappointment, who can= not bear obedience is someday go- ing to be about as unhappy as 1t is possible to be. If he cannot con- form to ups and downs when he Is very young, no miracle Is going to smooth his path later.
 Therefore it is good and whole- some for our small friend of three, four or five to have his miniature experiences of discipline.
 When a cold won't let his mother go without a scene, 1t is time to give him an object lesson. As long as he is safe and cared for there is everything to the idea that he can live without her. She needs make no excuses or promises. No fearful partings. No sneaking out the back way. Just a cheerful good-by and a walkaway. It is not any too easy for the one left with him, but after few days he will protest less.
 It is just as well to make the first absence short. Of course, some mothers cannot get away, ever, so that is different story. The comfort Is that when Bobby starts to school he will be more philosophical about parting. The fact in itself is not serious unless there Is evidence of a "fxation. It is more important as one means of developing independence and standing disappointment.
 Expected Needs Sct-Back
 The child constantly loaded with new toys, who expects a new present each day-is another who should have some set-backs for the good of his soul. Break that habit. Nothing is worse than sur felt. Why rob him of the thrill of giftM The quickest way to sour any child or any person Is to overload him. It is mistaken kind ness at best.
 Make home life gay and cheer ful. but insist on him conforming to house routine and his personal schedule. Don't give in repeatedly to his whincs and squalls. if this method has produced results for him before.
 Make him give in to other chil- dren much of the time. Try to begin little lessons of sportsman ship. He has to learn what rights" are. He ned not be an easy mark and has right of his own, but he should see the other side too.
 The mother can work wonders by quiet firmness and a. happy, cheerful attitude. It does not pay to let a child become a tyrant and then adopt a hopeless complaining attitude ourselves. Some children are stronger willed than others. often 1t take diplomacy to handle them. Do not try to reform the already spoiled child all at once. It may only increase open rebel lion. But make beginning. Now Is the best time.
 Copyright 1885, NEA Service, Incl