Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1942-06-25
Meeting Our
War Situations
Series of Articles Sponsored by
the Mental Hygiene Society
of Montgomery County

with Others in New Community:
Is yours one of the many famil-
les that has recently moved to
Montgomery County because Of
war work? Have you discovered
that finding living quarters is not
the only problem that must be met
to live happily in the new commun-
ity? Is this your first taste Of
breaking off old ties and living
among strangers with ways differ
ing from those to which you have
been accustomed
The Mental Hygiene Society of
Montgomery County has had the
opportunity of studying the various
methods by which families have
met the challenge of becoming
members of a new community. 1t
might be helpful to mention a few
common mistakes that have been
made by some very fine and intelli-
gent people and to conclude with
several constructive suggestions on
practices that have worked out for
the good of all, including the bet
torment of the life in the new COM
munity.
Some families have waited in
vain for the neighbors to take the
initiative in calling on them and
inviting them to their homes. Be-
cause the expected visits did not
materialize they felt deeply hurt
and interpreted this rather chilling
reception as an intentional slight.
It is practical certainty that no
slight was intended. Because of
the pressure of work, the neigh
bors might not have been aware
that newcomers were in the neigh
borhood. Perhaps they were not
certain that advances would be
welcome and therefore failed to
make them. Another common mis-
take is to dwell on the troublesome
or displeasing aspects of the new
community, or worse still to make
unfavorable comparisons with
places in which the family former
ly lived. No good results from this
type of thinking, and there is a
strong probability that it will cut
off many happy and helpful con-
facts. Sometimes the younger and
more adventurous members of the
family are too hasty in allying
themselves with certain groups or
individuals. and get off with a
forceful but completely wrong
start.
By way of contrast the follow
ing approaches to this problem
have been found helpful.
1. Discussing the situation frank
ly with all members of the family,
and trying to have each realize
that the necessity of adjusting to
a new community is a common
problem today.
2. Making survey of the re-
sources of the community for meet
ing congenial people. War activi-
ties such as Red Cross work, pro-
grams for parents and children at
community Fairgrounds, organiza-
tons such as the Boy Scouts, Par
ent-Teacher Associations. and the
community churches, offer fine OPP
portunities for meeting people with
similar interests.
8. Allowing a reasonable period
for getting acquainted with the
activities of various groups, and
then joining in Fundamentally with
those that appeal. You have some
thing to contribute, and by con-
tributing, your interest in the new
community will grow.
4. Realizing that living in a new
community is an opportunity for
broadening your outlook and exper-
niece.
The citizens of the United States
are putting forth their best effort
to win this war. They will not per-
nit their own personal problems to
interfere with their enthusiasm
and efficiency in reaching this Wit
ally important goal. Personal and
family problems are seen in proper
when We have an aim
larger than private personal hap