The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-02-09
FAVOUR
 CHILDREN
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RULES TO CURB CHILD's
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By Olive Roberts Barton

UNRULINESS LISTED
 By Olive Roberts Barton
 Some definite suggestions about disciplining the pre-school child, or our little friend of four, Ave or six.
 Make the atmosphere of the house one of brightness and se- curity. Even though you are wor- rying about the grocery bill or the invitation you didn't get, don't act grouchy. Obedience comes more readily in a happy home.
 Do not be too arbitrary. This leads to scolding and fault-finding and once the child decides we are too unreasonable he will start to decide for himself. Too many rules made mean fewer rules kept.
 A child is more inclined to obey the happy mother or the silent mother than the fussy one and the scold.
 Keep Him Busy
 Keep him as busy as a mailer at little constructive plays. See that he has all sorts of things to do. This is not necessarily expen- sive. A resourceful parent can turn almost anything to use.
 When an order is given the voice has much to do with obedi- ence. Sternness and loudness often create revolt. But a quiet tone that means just what 1t says, yes even with a smile behind 1t, works miracles.
 Don't expect the child to dis obey. Expect him to obey. He will sense the difference.
 Don't argue.
 Let him finish some little task. Don't expect him to bounce right outof the middle of some absorb ing interest. You wouldn't. Not without grumbling. Give him a little time to finish. Sometimes you can't. This is all right too. pop up at once.
 Bedtime Procedure
 At bed time tell him few min utes ahead of time to finish up his play. When that time is up off with him. Let him yell. He doesn't really mind 1t as much as you think. He KNOWS he has to go to bed. It does not make for conflicts. Children expect regular things and accept them without any bad result.
 At mcalis don't force him to eat, Don't starts the coaxing habit. Ii but don't let him fool too long. he won't cat, either things aren good or he isn't hungry. Begin early to get him used to different vegetables, fruits and so on. Make food tasty. See that his plate looks clean and appetizing. Then. if all things are right and he still won't eat for days on end, take him to the doctor.
 Health is the greatest ally to obedience. So is comfort. A child too cold or too hot or too upset by noise and confusion won't be good. Neither would we be.
 When you tell him to stop" don't go to another room and for get. Make him stop. He must thing you mean it.
 Enforce Decisions
 When he shows rage or tan- trum keep quiet. Go out and close the door and show him you are not interested at the moment. He won't choke. He will learn not to show off.
 If he kicks the cat, try first 10 show him that it is wrong. This failing, show him how little bump hurts. This failing, think a little reprisal in the form of a spanking may do him good. But remember. please, spankings lose effect. Once in a lifetime may be all he needs. Certainly not one every day.
 Don't kid him or tease him. He'll never be good if he is Don't scare him. Don't threaten. Fear Is not obedience. It isn't anything but just plain fear.