Mothercraft {Part II}

Thought I'd share another section from my newly purchased 1950's manual on how to build a healthy family.

(Photos are from our annual family trip to the lake.)

Play

"All children need things to play with and a place to play. But it isn't necessary to provide expensive toys to keep a child constructively happy. Anything he can hold and handle freely will fascinate a young child. Common household objects like pots, pans, spoons, clothespins, cartons, the garden hose, a tub of water and dozens of others, may be excellent toys for small children. In most cases the child can be taught to adventure without hurting himself or breaking anything, but if there are accidents he should not be scolded too severely.

A child should be welcome in every room in the house as long as he behaves with reasonable consideration for others. This applies to the kitchen too, where even little children may sometimes "help" with a meal.

Wise parents always try to find ways for their child to do the thing he enjoys doing, instead of trying to stop him from being active. They try to find out how to make the things he wants to do safe for himself and for others. Then they let him go ahead to his heart's content."

A Sense of Humor

"When household chores pile up for Mother, when Father comes home tired from a long day in shop or office, and Johnny is especially trying-- when you feel you can't take another thing-- then is the time of times for a sense of proportion and, if you have one, a sense of humor! There's nothing more relaxing for both parents and child than a good laugh together. When you are tense and tight, your child gets worried. When you are relaxed, he relaxes too. A good corny joke that child and grownup enjoy together helps keep the atmosphere in the home easy and good-natured.

Laughing with a child is a very different matter from laughing at him. Remember always that even the youngest child has his dignity to uphold. When he is teased or laughed at he feels very small and helpless, as well as insecure. Making a child feel small shows fundamental disrespect for him, and a lack of sensitivity to his vulnerable spots."