The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1938-10-27
The. Older And The
Younger Children
EMMA GARY WALLACE

Where there is a family of children
and the means are limited, it often be-
comes necessary for the older children
to give as much help as they possibly
can, not only with the housework but
with the care of the Titles ones, and
the tasks are usually accepted cheer
fully.
But good judgment is needed in such
situations. The mother must remem-
ber that the older children are still
immature, and that they should not be
called upon for work that is too diff
cult or too continuous. What may
seem light-not at all overtaxing-to
older persons may be quite firing to
boy or girl, and a child is entitled
to happy youth as far as can be
managed. Then the little ones-even
a single little one-nay become quite
demanding and tyrannical. The wise
mother will keep 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 to many demands upon her
strength and time, it may be necessary
for her to simplify the household pro-
gram as far as possible.
Part Of the ironing, for instance,
may properly be left undone. Many
garments and sheets do not actually
requiring 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 better,
of course, if pillow cases are ironed
Even such ironing as may really
need be done, can be accomplished
with less fatigue if there is high
stool to sit on-preferably with back
and one of these costs little. There
is no reason why dishes cannot be
washed, or part of them at least, while
using the same stool. If 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, simple rice pud-
dings, unfrosted cakes and "one-dish
meals" each cuts down a little on the
work, and every little helps. A cone
dish meaF is one where vegetables
and meat are cooked in one container
and served in that container.
Some sort of play can be devised
so that the work the older children
do loses it's humdrum character. For
example: The living room is to be put
in exceptionally nice order, because
the Queen of Hearts is coming for
supper, and as the children do the
work, they could chant to some we'll
known tune,
"The Queen of Hearts
She made some tarts
All on summer day.
The king of Hearts
He found those tarts
And stole them all away"
One of the children could pretend
to be the Queen of Hearts who will
come in with bright red scarf around
her shoulders or a gilt paper crown
and inspect the dusting. The King
might wear the crown at suppertime
when tarts may be served, but of
course he would not be given chance
to defraud the others.
Taking care of the baby should be
carefully supervised Slender older
children can wheel the baby or draw
him about on little cart or sled, but
they should not be expected to carry
him. The little one, who is being cared
for by the older children, should not
be allowed to impose upon them by
demanding toys Of which older broth
ers and sisters are choice, and perhaps
are justified in not liking to lend if
the baby is likely to break or spoil
them.
1t is not to be wondered at that
older children sometimes look upon
the little newcomers as very much of
trial. But under the right manage
ment, with sympathetic understanding,
they may easily be led to love and
willingly help care for the new babies.
1t should be made plain that they con-
tinue to hold, even more securely than
before, their own special places in the
affection and confidence of parents and