The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-01-30
FAVOUR
 CHILDREN
.H-gNaz sl-E.zz. =
e. Ol;re Roberts RartoA

We all have a habit of thinking that selfishness is an acquired trait, but the sooner owe realize that it is natural, the better equipped we are to face it's problems.
 The self complex, one of the natural complexes, word I wish l we could change, by the way, was put there to keep man alive, hap py according to his lights and rights, and extended to those be. longing to him.
 A little child is no more selfish in wanting her way, or his, than the mother and father Is wanting theirs. Little Mary is no more demanding in refusing to lend her dolly than her mother Is in re- fusing to lend Mary to a neighbor. And tiny Thomas Is no more sel-7 fish in insisting on playing horse when the rest want to dig. than his Daddy refusing to play bridge in order to play poker.
 Selflshness Is Positive Trait Selfishness is considered the tive too often. It Is the other way about, actually, as human temper ament goes. Selfishness is the positive current and generosity opposed to it. This is why gener- osity is so hard to graft into the little character. If it were al- ready there, what a simple thing 1t would be to let nature take its course.
 Since. se1fishness is born in the baby and Is not one of those traits like will or .contrariness that de- velop in the third or fourth year, it Is wise to take it into account from the first and lead gently away from 1t whenever possible without causing anger Or resent ment. We cannot teach "funda- mentaf' or real generosity, ever, by making it an eternally unp1eas- ant thing in the child's mind.
 Method of Instruction
 How can we go about teaching the tiny child to be generous?
 By getting him to feel good about it.
 This can be done by looking about for someone he likes, or even g pet. Thomas wants his new | red ball. He won't let his sister touch it. He likes her well enough, but he isn't emotionally interest ed. However, he is emotionally | interested in the new kitten. Say | to him, Let kitty have your ball" Through extended interest in both | the cat and the ball he will very | likely pass it. over. Satisfied. he l will watch the play that ensues.
 Sister could have cavorted | much better, but as an agent to generosity she was total loss. But the wedge has entered. Baby l I1 .kA | up, away from himself, one thing | to another thing he liked. The | ball is still of use. Next the bird | can have it in his cage. Next his | sisters dolly can have it. Next | Mary can have it. And then the | little boy next door. Scrub the , ball often as a reward for it's use fitness.
 When Giving Appears
 Almost anything in the way of l generosity can be best approach ed by these homely little lessons. | As the child hears three certain | streak of giving enters his soul. It | is sporadic and is motivated by l several things. Partly experi- mental.
 Encourage this effort at this time. Accept anything the child offers with effusion and gratitude. Never refuse. It is another wea- pom at your service. Later when reason Is riding high and even sometmies now, lessons in real sacrifice may be ventured. But success depends on the early asso- citations of ideas and the pleasant ness of giving. Copyright 1885 NEA Service, Incl