Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-03-08
Mothers Duties
Have Greatly
Increased
Children Should Be
More Conscious
OF Her Tasks
By Angelo Patri

Father went to his office every
day as usual, his days somewhat
longer, SO that he had to rise half
an hour earlier. Tom was in the
first year of pre-medical. Helen in
the senior year in high school,
Mother ran the house as usual and
worked four hours daily In the
nearby hospital.
This particular day she had risen
at 6 o'clock. dressed, left the bath
room in order, laid out fathers
things. also Toms. Then she
pressed Helen's dress and stitched
on fresh collar and cuffs. After
that she got breakfast. That In
cluded setting the table, squeezing
10 oranges, broiling bacon, making
toast and coffee.
Father came down first, had his
breakfast, received his topcoat,
newspaper and hat from mothers
hands and departed. Tom came
along next. Hey, nom, how'd you
expect me to wear that shirt you
left out? It would look awful with
my gray suit. I took the white one"
But that leaves you no white
shirt for Sunday?"
Yeah, know, but you can take
the ones I used to the laundry when
you go by today and have them
back on time, can't your"
Tom ate his breakfast and left
in great hurry Had to meet a
fellow Helen, late for. the bus,
swallowed some coffee, snatched q
bit OF toast and over her shoulder
shouted, Nom, be sure to get my
coat from the cleaners, and don't
forget I'm going to the Canteen
tonight. I'll need my blue. So
long"
Mother cleared the table with
swift, deft movements, made a cou-
pie OF notes on pad, settled things
In place In the living room, made
three beds and tidied q bathroom,
changed her dress, made a list for
the grocer, counted the laundry and
listed 1t, then set out on her err
rands. She carried home the meat
and groceries and vegetables, set
the table for the evening, left things
ready for the meal she would cook
when she reached home again, late
that afternoon. Then she ate a light
meal, ito save time" and set out for
her tour Of duty.
How long can she continue on
a schedule like that? Why does
she not ask those two husky young
ones to share the home tasks? Why
don't they offer to do so? Why
don't they do their own errands
and attend to their own business
and so lift that much off their
mothers shoulders? Maybe because
she trained them to depend upon
her for everything.
Whatever the reason, 1t is time
now for them to take a look at
their mothers schedule and take
over as much of their own RESPONSE
bility as possible. 1t is all very we'll
to ask mothers to do outside work.
They do it gladly. But somebody
must make 1t his duty to see that
the mothers are not killed in the
doing
Those who have young children
under school age must be assured
OF their care by intelligent, we'll
trained people. Those who have
heavy home schedules must be re-
lieved, and the younger generation
has a plain duty there. Mothers
must be safeguarded at all costs,
for upon them the life OF this Ma
ton, In the last analysis, must
abide.
Lack Of corporation among
children is often the result Of the
lack Of obedience. How to ac-
quire the blessing of obedience Is
told by Angelo Patri in his help
full booklet, No. 301. To obtain it,
write him. care of The Evening
Star. Inclose 10 cents and a g.
cent stamp.