Evening star., 1940-06-05
Domination
In Excess
Is Error
Child Often Rebels
Against Pressure
And Authority
BY ANGELO PATRI.

Billy was reared on schedule and
according to the best authorities on
child training. He was a healthy.
happy, obedient child of two and a
half, who had never shown the
slightest tendency to rebel or to
question what was done for him or
to him.
He did little household chores
such as putting away his dishes in
his own little closet after they were
washed and dried. He hung up his
hat and put his coat on its hanger,
just so. And he picked up his TOYS
When he was through with them.
one ofternoon instead of gath
erlng his blocks and stacking them
properly, he lay down on the floor
IN a Wild tantrum. His frightened
mother picked him up and shook
MN, and he kicked and screamed
ana beat the air with his fists. FL
naily she got him to bed, still
crying, still fighting, and left him
Inefe 10 work 1t Off
The next day Billy took up his
hIe as cheerfully as ever, no sign
OF the storm of yesterday marrine
lts content. His mother was on the
watch for signs of trouble but none
came and she forgot about it until
one afternoon the same thing hap
pened. This time she decided there
must be a reason for the outbreak
and determined to uncover it, if
possible.
imagine that Billy, like the rest
| VI u.s. was somewhat weary of we'll
oolhg. little child who must live
and all little children must-un-
uer tne control of another's will
.,ies OF 1t. He feels the pressure of
lhe stronger will, the stronger per-
sonallty on his weakness. and nv and
oy reaches the point of mental ex-
iiaustlon that is expressed in the
| tantrum.
II IS essential to train children
IN right habits and to do il ear,v
BUT 1t is also essential to keen in
mlnd the kind of creature we are
framing. He is young and his
growth is very tender. It cannot
stand too much pressure nor too
much strain. If We are wise we re-
heVe little children, and older ones
aS well, OF the pressure for hours at
a tlme. Every child needs time o,,t
IN Whlch to rest his mind and re-
lresh his spirit. And so does his
mother. -'-'
We are inclined to see too much
near too much and do too much in
thls rearing of children. We must
learn the practice of judicions neg
lect. Overlook the unessential CO
as TO reserve strength for the es-
sentlal. Skip the trivial things tn
save energy for the important ones
Every SO often, every day of every
year, allow time out for the release
OF the spirit from the bondage of
imposed authority, duty and routine
ana that always includes the mother
herself
IL Is true that children can stand
good bit of pressure and endure
straln that would weary the adult tn
extremity, but there is a limit be-
yond which it is unsafe to venture
once child is nervously exhausted
SO that his vitality is sapped and he
mas 10 go to bed for long period
lor recuperation. he is going to be
long time recreating that lost
power. Keep well within the limits
OF a chlld's endurance. That still
allows plenty of room for all that is
required of him.
Don't ask hundred per cent of a
little child. Help him to put his TOYS
away when he is weary; lend him a
hand occasionally. Cheer him along
ana ne Will arrive at self-help in
better cheer and with greater power.