Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-12-25
Parents Alone
Children
Guiding Youngsters
Should Be Done
Without Law
BY ANGELO PATRI.

I cannot understand the condi-
ton that allows, or compels-
I do not know which-parents to
demand laws to control published
matter, radio programs and shows.
In multiplicity of laws there is
only confusion. Each law that is
made creates another awkward
situation. The only law a human
being obeys in the end is the law
of his own mind. If parents would
have their children grow into de-
cent, well-behaved citizens they
should be concerned with the cul-
tivation of their children's char
acters, with the formation OF their
minds, and not with the creation
of new laws that won't change
their childrens attitudes IN the
least. There is no law that can
make a mind like or dislike any
thing. want or detest anything.
That remains the function OF the
human mind, if mind can be called
human.
The radio is the latest source
of trouble in the nome. my chill
dren fight over the programs. I
can't buy each of them a radio.
What can I do to make them stop
flghting?"
"My little boy is having night
mares from listening to scary pro-
grams. He insists upon hearing
them and then he has a bad night.
Don't you think such programs
ought to be forbidden by law?"
my son, in the Junior year IN
high school, insists upon studying
his lessons with the radio turned
on. He isn't doing as we'll as he
should, but he refuses to turn on
the radio. Don't you think there
should be a law that prohibits
such programs during the study
hours of school children? I'm not
the only parent complaining. This
is common among my friends"
Icould go on filling the paper with
these and similar complaints about
shows, magazines, movies, even
chewing gum. Always the suggested
solution is another law forbidding
somebody to do something which
annoys the parent, takes his time
and disturbs the calm of his family
relations.
I don't believe in such laws.
believe that the race OF man was
given mind enough to take care OF
itself. If each Of us was not in
tended to think for himself and
control his own conduct, and his
own life scheme, minds would not
have been individual. As it Is, they
are. And each of us would better
make use of what power he has II
he doesn't propose to lose it.
It doesn't take much strength to
turn of a radio program. can
do it with twist of my thumb and
forehnger, and so can you. It does
not require much energy to say,
while you study the house must
be quiet. Arrange your work so
you can hear the program you want.
After that, the radio is to be still
It doesn't require great knowledge
or much wisdom to Judge the quality
of a radio program in relation to
child. Any intelligent parent can
do that and act accordingly. Parents
have assumed responsibility for rear
ing their children and they ought to
be able to see that through without
the aid Of law.
Fathers and mothers are q bit
confused by the many voices raised
in the reformation Of the world.
If they would close their ears for a
while and listen until they hear
within them the voice Of sanity
whispering, Children should honor
their fathers and mothers" 1t
would help, because children honor
those who lead, guide and command
them to their good.
If mealtime is . problem In
your family, send for Angelo
Patri's booklet, Eating" inclos-
ing 10 cents in coin. Address
Angelo Patri. In care Of The
Evening Star.