Milford chronicle., 1938-11-04
THE OLDER AND THE YOUNGER
CHILDREN
Emma Gary Wallace

Ofen ana the means are limited, II
often becomes necessary for the old
err children to give as much help al
they possibly can. not only with the
housework but with the care Of the
little ones, and the tasks are usual
ly accepted cheerfully.
But good judgment Is needed In
such situations. The mother must re-
member that the older children are
still immature, and that they should
not be called upon for work that is
too difficult or too continuous. What
may seem light-not at all Overtax-
ing-to older persons may be quite
firing to a boy or girl, and a child
is entitled to a happy youth as far
as can be managed. Then the little
ones-even a single little one-may
become quite demanding and tyran-
nical. The wise mother will keep a
close watch Of the general situation
and see to it that each child is dealt
with fairly.
In order that the mother herself
shall not be overtaxed and made ir-
ritable by too many demands upon
her strength and time, 1t may be
necessary for her to simplify the
household program as far as poss-
ible.
Part of the ironing, for instance,
may properly be left undone. Many
garments and sheets do not actually
require ironing. If they are sweet
and fresh and clean, pulled into
shape just before they are quite dry
and smoothly folded, that is all that
is necessary. The beds will look bet
ter, of course, If pillow cases are
ironed.
Even such ironing as may really
need to be done, can be accomplished
with less fatigue If there is a high
stool to sit on-preferably with a
back-and one of these costs little.
There is no reason why dishes can
not be washed, or part Of them at
least, while using the same stool. II
they are thoroughly rinsed and a
drainer is used most Of them will not
need to be wiped.
Meals can be attractively served
and yet be simple and nourishing. A
baked custard takes less time and
work than a pie. Baked apples, sim
pie rice buildings, unfrosted cakes
and "one-dish meals" each cuts
down a little on the work, and every
little helps. A "one-dish meal" is
one where vegetables and meat are
cooIxad In ono container and served
in that container.
Some sort Of asplay can be devils
ed so that the work the older chill
dren do loses it's humdrum charac-
ter. For example: The living room is
to be put in exceptionally nice order
because the Queen of Hearts is COM
ing for supper, and as the children
do the work, they could chant TO
some well-known tune,
1.-THE Queen of Hearts
She made some tarts
All on a summer day.
The King of Hearts
He found those tarts
And stole them all away"
One of the children could pretend
10 be the Queen of Hearts who will
come in with a bright red scarf
around her shoulders or gilt paper
crown and inspect the busting. The
King might wear that crown at sup
perfume when tarts may be served,
,ut of course he would not be given
, chance to defraud the others.
Taking care Of the baby should be :
.arefully supervised. Slender older
children can wheel the baby or draw
i'm about on a little cart or sled. but
hey should not be expected to car
v him. The little one, who is being
AIRED for by the older children,
hould not be allowed to impose up
n them by demanding toys Of which
Ider brothers and sisters are choice
nd perhaps are justified in not lik-
ng to lend If the baby Is likely to 9
reak or spoil them.
II is not to be wondered at that I
lder children sometimes look upon $
he little newcomers as very much {
{ a trial. But under the right man
cement with sympathetic under
landing. they may easily be led to I
we and willingly help care for the
ew babies. Il should be made plain
lat they continue to hold, even
Iore securely than before. their own e
peciaI places in the affection and s
,nfideuce of parents and relatives. d
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