The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1939-09-08
Bx EMMA GARY WALLACE

eNZHERE there is a family Of chill
+ w dren and the means are limit
ed, 1t often becomes necessary for
the older children to give as much
help as they possibly can, not only
with the homework but with the
care of the little ones, and the tasks
are usually accepted cheerfully.
But good judgment is needed in
such situations. The mother must
remember that the older children
are still immature, and that they
should not be called upon for work
that is too difficult or too continu-
Gus. What may seem ight-not at
all overtaxing-to older persons may
be quite firing to a boy or girl, and
a child is entitled to happy youth
as far as can be managed. Then
the little ones-even single little
one-may become quite demanding
and tyrannical. The wise mother
will keep close watch of the gen.
eral situation and see to it that each
child is dealt with fairly.
In order that the mother herself
sail not be overtaxed and made
irritable by too many demands upon
her strength and time, it may be
necessary for her to simplify the
household program as far as posi-
BILE.
Part of the ironing, for instance,
may properly be left undone. Many
garments and sheets do not actually
require 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 to be done, can be accom-
plished with less fatigue if there is
a 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
drainer is used most of them will
not need to be wiped.
Meals can be attractively served
and yet be simple and nougishing. A
baked custard takes less time and
work than pie. Baked apples, SIM
pie rice buildings, unfrosted cakes
and "one-dish meals" each cuts
down little on the work, and ev-
cry little helps. A "one-dish meal"
is one where vegetables and meat
are cooked in one container and
served in that container.
Don't Let Work Become Humdrum.
Some sort of play can be de-
vised so that the work the older chill
dren do loses its humdrum charac-
ter. 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 well-known tune, q
"I'he Queen Of Hearts
She made some tarts
All on a summer day. ssisss's
The King Of Hearts ~ ia
He found those tayts ga3 sa
And stole them all atOay."
f One of the children could pretend
to be the Queen of Hearts who will
come in with a bright red scarf
around her shoulders or a gilt paper
crown and inspect the busting. The
King might wear that crown at sup
+ perfume 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 ex-
pected to carry him. The little one,
who is being cared for by the older
children, should not be allowed 10
impose upon them by demanding
toys Of which older brothers and sis
tiers are choice, and perhaps are
justified in not liking to lend If the
baby is likely to break or spoil them.
It is not to be wondered at that
older children sometimes look upon
the little newcomers as very much
of trial. But under the right man.
agement, with sympathetic under
standing, they may easily be led to
love and willingly help care for the
new babies. It should be made plain
that they continue to hold, even
more securely than before, their
own special places in the affection
and confidence of parents and rela-
tives.
National Kindergarten Association
(WNU Service.)