The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1942-08-06
MY GUEST JIMMY
By LUCIA MALLORY

/ had guest for few days last
week who deserves more than "honor-
able mention" TO him belongs the most
admiring, most enthusiastic praise.
Jimmy is only five but already he has
learned the small amenities that a per
feet guest should know. His visit with
me gave me pure delight.
1t was the first time Jimmy had been
away from home alone Circumstances
had made it necessary for him TO spend
little time with friends or relatives.
He decided he would like to 90 to
Aunt Helen's.''
In due time he arrived at the rather
formidable looking apartment hotel III
which | live. That allStere appearance
didn't bother Jimmy. He merely an
nounced, Doesn't Aunt Helen have Il
big house," and, as soon as he was
conducted to his room, proceeded to I'M
pack the neateSt little suitcase | have
ever seen.
Jimmy had been allowed to do his
own packing. He had for some time
been accustomed to taking the entire
responsibility for certain small tasks.
These experiences had now proved
their value to him. Nothing was for
gotten. The only thing that suggested
five-year-old might have done the
packing was the inclusion of enough
little socks to have lasted month
without laundry His stuffed elephant,
Arthur - "Arker" Jimmy still called
him, as in babyhood dayS-came with
him. "Arker" proved a well-chosen
partner. Jimmy was so very careful to
keep him from missing the monkey,
Toby.
The little boy very quickly adjusted
to the unusual surroundings. He didn't
look or act Ill at ease or unhappy dur
ing his entire visit He fitted into every
picture.
The mother of two-year-Old Carol
Ann invited Jimmy for luncheon.
Jimmy entertained Carol and taught
her Il number of things about her
blocks and educational toys. At home,
he was used to playing with Il crowd
of noisy boys of various ages, but he
proved to be unusually adaptable AMI
conducted himself extremely well as
the guests of gentle little girl.
Jimmy waited on himself, took his
baths by himself, said his prayers and
dressed and undreSSed himself without
help. He said, "GOod-mOrning, Aunt
Helen" or Happy dreams, Aunt
Helen," according to the time of day,
with all graciousness, enjoyed his
meals and slept happily and content
edly with Arthur. Most delightful of
all, he kept everything he owned in
one place. Those of you who have lived
in apartments can appreciate this.
Even .Jimmy'S toothbrush and tooth
powder We're carried every night from
the bathroom and placed with his other
things.
When Jimmy's mother called to take
him home she was in II great hurry, so
the bag was packed quickly but nothing
was left behind except pleasant mem
DRY of II small boy who had been meth
odical, resourceful, neat and adaptable
and most charming.
, | have thought those few days over
and | believe one reason Jimmy was
such Il delightful guest was because he
had been taught what Ii meant to be
'On his own" He had been carefully
taught, too, the duties" of guest
and now he felt that he ana he alone
was responsible for his behavior. He
seemed to take his position ns guest
seriously He had brought his games
and books: he entertained himself.
had some necessary errandS to take
care of in the city. He went with me
uncomplainingly; he ate in strange
places In quite the matter-of fact man
ner of .blasc young man about town
Whenever we were to 80 down or III
in the hotel he delighted in pressing tn,
button for the elevator, and he always
enjoyed getting the mail at the desl
for "Aunt Helen" In fact he likeI
doing everything that came along.
So may | suggest that mothers ALLOW
| their small sons and daughters to make
short visits now and then? Anything is
extremely beneficial To children thai
helps them to be adequate to the situa
ton in which they find themselves an,
to learn to stand on their own Smal
feet. The ability to adjust themselves
to new surroundings is an extremely
/ valuable accomplishment.