Milford chronicle., 1938-12-09
WHAT BABY SEES
GEoRGIA LOTT sELrER

IF this bringing a child up isn't
enough to discourage anyone!" sigh
ed Laura Brooks, looking with per-
plexity toward her three-year-old
son, Benny, who was happily build
ing a block house in the next room.
I've been listening to a radio talk,
Ellen, about the Importance of what
a small child sees. And It is certain
ly disheartening for parents In lin
tied circumstances"
II can tell you some things a lit
tie child sees, and l do not need a
radio to tell me, either" answered
Ellen Merrill with a reassuring
smile.
Young Benny doesn't especially
notice whether the sun is shinging
or raindrops fall. What he sees is
his mothers face; is 1t smiling or
creased with worry or elouded with
a frown? Your face can make or mar
the day for your little one. be sure
of that. Mother"
"But 1t isn't easy to smile when
one feels more like crying" protest
ed Laura.
"True enough: but 1t is very good
self-discipline. And presently the
smile will work. not only toward
Benny's happiness, but toward your
own as we'll.
Benny doesn't see whether the
dishes are imported china or gay
products from the five-and-ten; but
he is quick to sense your satisfac-
tiOn at having 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 at
mosphere at mealtime?
Benny doesn't see whether his
clothes are expensive or not. He
does like them to be pretty and de-
riVes great satisfaction If they are
adorned with little ducks or birds
or bunnies. He likes them to be COM
Portable and free for play. Give him
the kind of clothes he likes and
make him happy. Happiness ranks
with cod-liver oil as a health pro-
moter.
Benny doesn't care a thing about
correct housefurnishings If he has
q low table and chair by a pleasant
window, If there is a comfortable
chair large enough for him and
parent to sit in together for stories
and condolences, If Mother sings
while she straightens gay cushions
and waters the geraniums. he will
his home beautiful and will
it lovingly all his life.
When. you feel dissatisfied because
your home is plain, remember that
Benny will never realize it unless
you force the knowledge upon him.
He will see-enjOy-the fun, the Sc
curity. the love, if you will let him.
Benny doesn't see much lasting |
in expensive toys. But he
sees great possibilities in block of
soft wood, a handful of nails and
hammer. He sees the wisdom of
boarding fascinating things he picks
up out-of-doors, horse chestnuts,
cOrncobs, gay pebbles, bits of iron
and wood. Respect these possessions
even though they do look like mere
rash to you.
Benny sees his mother more
plainly than anyone or anything
Else. You are his combination sun:
noon and stars. And he quickly sees
{ your radiance grows dim. When my
frederick was a little fellow I let
get the better of me
md in consequence grew nervous
md unhappy. Imagine my astOnish-
nent when he said to me one day:
| like to stay at Grandma's better
han / do here. She thinks nicer
han you dol
"Yes, these little folks see more
han we sometimes realize: the real
hings: the important things. Fortu-
ately the things we want them to
ee are within the reach of any mo-
her who sincerely seeks for them.
)ont worry about young Benny"
Laura Brooks face brightened.
Thanks for the broadcast" she
aughed. at have alreadv begun to
hink nicer than I ever did before!"