Milford chronicle., 1941-05-16
WHO IS NERVOUsi
Lucia Mallory

Lucia Mallory
Dorothy is just so nervous that
l do not know what to do with her."
While she spoke those words,
Dorothy's mother toyed with her
handkerchief and shifted restlessly
in her chair. Her small daughter,
chubby, placid child, stood look
ing up at her mother with round
blue eyes, taking in every word and
tone and gesture.
"Oh, she's plump and sturdy
enough. Her height and weight are
above normal" There was a glow
of pride in the mothers eyes. but
she just can't be still. She keeps
me on the jump every minute.
don't know what will become of us
If she gets any worse"
IF were you, Mrs. Clark, I'd
let Dorothy have more time to her.
self, so that you may do some of
the things you used to do before
she was born" yentured to sug-
gest. why don't you get someone
to take care Of Dorothy and leave
her at home on club days?'
We were attending an afternoon
club meeting, and Mrs. Clark had
brought her little daughter, al
though there was nothing on the
program that could possibly be of
any interest to Dorothy. That the
child was not at all nervous was
attested by the fact that she had
been able to sit as quietly as she
had through the long meeting-an
unnecessary and unwise strain to
put upon three-year-Old.
1t was equally evident that the
little girl might become nervous if
she stayed SO constantly with her
nervous mother. Children are great |
mimics, and Dorothy was in dang
er of becoming much like the mo-
ther from whom she was so seldom
separated.
l knew Mrs. Clark to be a con-
scientious mother, who wanted the
best for her child, but sought to
gain that best by unremitting at
tention. She was making herself
i'll by denying herself needed mo-
ments Of relaxation and time for
the acknowledgment that her own
active mind craved.. 1t was poss-
ible ] could help her, so | had de-
termined TO try.
do you really think il would be
advisable for me to leave Dorothy
with someone? Mrs. Clark. asked.
"Yes, indeed" I answered. II
know several high school girls
whose classes are over early in the
afternoon. Helen Barron and Joan
Burroughs are trustworthy girls
who often take charge of children
while their mothers are away in
he afternoon or evening"
Perhaps you are right" Mrs.
Clark replied, Shut I've tried TO
ieep from being selfish with my
.ine where Dorothy was concern
,d.r
at is good for bother children
lnd parents to have some time to
assured her. 1T
ieems to you that Dorothy is ner-
'ous, but she is strong and well.
day not that seeming Festlessness
'S hlNlCiJ IhO upA maj dCANlIy VI 4
All healthy young Gre
tures are in almost constant mo-
ion during their waking hours.
Idults find their recreation in
uieter ways. This club meeting,
ghich is recreation for you, is
train on Dorothy, Just as her Wig
rous activity is sometimes a strain
II YOU"
Mrs. Clark looked thoughtful. 81
elieve that is true, Miss Mallory. ,
'erhaps l haven't been as unselfish !
$ / thought l was with Dorothy.
will think more about this and
erhaps carry out your sugges-
on" !
Mrs. Clark did carry it out. As a
esult, by the end of the club year
he had regained her repose of ,
Ianner, and Dorothy was still her
wn healthy, happy self.
How many times IL is the par \
lt, and not the child. who is ner- J
0us! a