The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1938-10-13
WHAT BABY SEES
GEORGIA LOTT SETTER

'1f this bringing a child up isn't
enough to discourage anyone!" sighed
Laura Brooks, looking with perplexity
toward her three year-old son, Benny,
who was happily building block
house in the next room. "I've been
listening to radio talk, Ellen, about
the Importance of what a small child
sees. And it is certainly disheartening
for parents in limited circumstances"
81 can tell you some things little
child sees, and | do not need radio
to tell me, either" answered Ellen
Merrill with a reasuring smile.
young Benny doesn't especially no.
tice whether the sun is shining or
raindrops fall. What he sees is his
mothers face; is it smiling or creased
with worry or clouded with a frown !?
Your face can make or mar the day
for your little one, be sure of that,
Mother"
"But it isn't easy to smile when one
feels more like crying" protested
Laura.
"True enough; but it is very good
self-discipline. And presently the
smile will work, not only toward Ben
ny's happiness, but toward your own
as we'll.
Benny doesn't see whether the
dishes are imported china or gay prod
ucts from the fve-and-ten; but he is
quick to sense your satisfaction at hav-
ing your family together at mealtime.
So wouldn't it be wise to spend less
thought on elaborate appointments for
the table and more on having a happy
and thankful atmosphere at mealtime ?
Benny doesn't see whether his
clothes are expensive or not. He does
like them to be pretty and derives
great satisfaction if they are adorned
with little ducks or birds or bunnies.
He likes them to be comfortable and
free for play. Give him the kind of
clothes he likes and make him happy.
Happiness ranks with cod-liver oil as
health promoter.
"Behny doesn't care a thing about
correct housefurnishings If he has a
low table and chair by pleasant win
dow, if there is comfortable chair
large enough for him and parent to
sit in together for stories and conf
dences, if Mother sings while she
straightens gay cushions and waters
the geraniums, he will consider his
home beautiful and will remember it
lovingly all his life. When you feel
dissatisfied because your home I is
plain, remember that Benny will never
realize it unless you force the knowl-
edge upon him. He will see-enjoy-
the fun, the security, the love, if you
will let him.
satisfaction in expensive toys. But he
sees great possibilities in block of
soft wood, handful Of nails and a
hammer. He sees the wisdom of hoard
ing fascinating things he picks uE
out-of- f-doors, horse chestnuts, corn.
cobs, gay pebbles, bits of iron anC
wood. Respect these possessions ever
though they do look like mere trash
to you.
Benny sees his mother more plainly
than anyone or anything else. You are
his combination sun, moon and stars
And he quickly sees if your radiance
grows dim. When my Frederick was
little fellow let circumstances gel
the better Of me and in consequence
grew nervous and unhappy. Imagine
my astonishment when he said to mt
one day: Il like to stay at Grandma's
better than | do here. She think.
nicer than you do!
eyes, these little folks see more thar
we sometimes realize: the real things
the important things. Fortunately thu
things we want them to see are within
the reach of any mother who sincerely
seeks for them. Don't worry abou
young Benny"
Laura Brooks face frightened
"Thanks for the broadcast" sht
laughed. 81 have already begun tt
think nicer than | ever did beforew