Glacier County chief., 1939-12-29
Problems With the
Children of Today
Issued by the National Kinder
garten Association, 8 West 4Oth
Street, New York City.
CULTIVATED APPRECIATION
Hilda RichmOnd

A cousin who had dropped In for
short call, volunteered, on leaving,
the twins. to their grandmother in
the town to which she was going. OF
course. the hostess availed herself of
the privilege of sending to her mother
words Of encouragement and greeting,
but she said the children would not
be able to go on account of school.
However, the twins had some gifts for
their dear grandmother and would be
much pleased to have a chance to
send them.
The visitor was inclined to smile
when she saw the array of gifts: a
small bag of candy. a rather forlorn
geranium in a pot, a ring from the
10-cent store, new lead pencil and
various other trifles representing small
sums which the visitor knew had been
hard to save up When the children
went out to fill a basket with apples
to add to the collection, the guest
asked if the mother did not think it
a little too exacting to require her
children to give when giving was real
enjoy the candy, and the new pencil
would be what Don would need in
school. but there they were, going to
person who probably would not value
them at all except as coming from
dear grandchildren.
Yes. she will value Them" answered
her cousin, land she'll eat the candy
and write Dottie how much she enjoyed
it. You see. she brought up her flock
both to enjoy giving and to show ap-
probation for favors received, and I'm
trying to follow in her footsteps. I'm
so glad she taught us to give of what
We had and to say what we could say,
though in a childish way, to express
either sympathy, welcome or thankful
ness, for those lessons cling"
But children learn those things
later in life so why not let them feel
free from all obligation now?" queried
the guest. Il write 'thank-you' notes
at Christmas and birthdays for my
three children and provide the gifts
for them to send to their grandparents
and others. I get suitable and beauti-
full things that I know the relatives
will like and can use. 1t seems to me
their own choosing, particularly when
money is not plentiful as happens to
be the case just now"
Before the hostess could answer, the
visitor had her reply in the words and
actions of the perspiring twins tugging
the basket of apples between them
please tell grandmother that we
picked these apples all ourselves, and
tell her we thank her for the good
e.AAAoS iooN WIEN, odii
the putting Don. Yes. and tell her l
earned the pennies myself for the pen
Gil by sweeping the walk and running
errands."
And please tell her thank you for
me-" added Dottie. 1.-THE candy is from
me. It's awful good Tell her I didn't
take a single piece out of the bag. And
the very first letter I write when
learn how in school is to be for grand
father and grandmother. Please don't
forget that!"
"And did you have good time get
ting these things ready?" asked the
visitor.
"Of course" cried the youngsters.
I'VE like to do things for grandfather
and grandmother"
The visitor helped load the things
into the automobile and over the chill
dren's heads she said: well, Mary,
have always tried to appreciate and
share my blessings, but have never
tried to teach my children these things.
But it isn't too late to begin. I see
that I have cheated them out of some
thing very precious and enjoyable
live and learn. Goodby, children! I
think your gifts are very, very nice,
and I'll remember to give all the mes
sages you are sending"