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Show a, IPmiremts EM ' j A father who's raised his own brood lets off steam on the - Hike tw mmmk subject of bringing up children by William F. McDermott and 'HITm' and Vithmetic, again arc to J. L going be taught, it appears, to the tune of the hickory stick. In several states, school boards and legislatures have authorized corporal punishment as first aid to an orderly education. Spanking for this generation of adolescents may be in the cards; yet, as the father of a grown brood and the grandparent of a growing one, I'd like to sDank in a different way for the benefit of the next generation. There are several obnoxious varieties of parents whom I'd like to lay across my knee and give an woodshed paddling, so that their children may have a more reasonable chance of growing up to be good citizens. Let me name TT EADIN' old-fashio- ever. There's a brittleness about this variety of parenthood which is like cast iron; it breaks rather than yields. Real parents have the elasticity of steel, bending without snapping. 1 The Leaner , . Children owe them an eternal debt of gratitude for bringing them into the world, and therefore increases should provide a leaning post as self-pi- ty with age. Fortunately this breed is decreasing. ned The Weak SUter They beg and plead, coax and bribe, coddle and wheedle children to do what they should do without being asked. These parents have a fish line for a backbone, and would rather die than be denothcently authoritative with their kids. There's d, , ing a child despises more than a ' weak-will' parent. weak-minde- ed TheParader Creation has reached its zenith in their offspring, and they take little Johnny and Susie out of the simplicity of childhood and put them under The Uoverer swift kick for those -- greedy parents who exploit uicir uiuuicii wumiciv-ioujr- They shadow their children constantly to them from every hazard and hardship. The tragic result is infantile adults who never adjust of everyday life. Conto the sequently frustration turns many of these youngsters into mental cases. . rough-and-tum- - v If a child shows a little brightness or talent, they drive him unmercifully to be at the head of his class, or the youngest graduate, or the genius in music; they don't give him a chance to develop naturally or live a normal life. ' Wise parents don't force or drive, coax or wheedle their children; they wisely and firmly- guide them. Here are some ideas out of experience: Give your offspring an abundance of affection. This is not synonymous with indulgence, although -a measure of that is good practice. It is a curious combination of indulgence and discipline, coddljng and spanking, play and work,' protecting from danger and exposing to hardship. It is love, good sportsmanship, and courage wrapped up in one. Treat children as dittinctive pmonalttte that will unfold under guidance1 and encouragement, not compulsion., A superbly fascinating adventure ..." The Martyr The Prodigy (Fanatics ble They "pour out their very lives" for their progeny, and take a sadistic delight in telling their children and everyone else who will listenwhat they do for them. This gets worse as the children grow up, but the parents fail to keep pace they remain in their infantilism. Is it any wonder children turn against parents who are always making a show of martyrdom? j ' , iOoiwatchTranO - develop. As a parent, conduct yourself on a high plane of decency, A&tr play, courtesy, and kindness, and your child will "absorb" the virtues there's no other way. Cultivate a spiritual 6utlook on Ufa. The beauty and mystery of life become clear with an understanding of 5qd and His pattern fotlevery person. to The churches and synagogues, with 90,000,000 ' 95,000,000 members, and other millions of ad-- 7 herents and children tod young for,1 membership;--repres- ent an influence for good on the individual ' ... K teJfc l. MM .' n .MMMM' .. The Vocation Dictator They pick out an occupation and try to force "their child into the" groove they've selected. The natural aptitude or preference of the youngster doesnjt matter he must fit into papa's or mamsls Iron discipline is their theme, and they browbeat mold. The-fa- ct that;chiUlren; may 'difiW. widely their youngsters into dumb submission until an kids for- from their parents is of no consequence. explosion takes place and .they lose the , and the nation Take your children, to church don't just send them. You will find mutual benefit and happiness. JUNE 27, ItM FAMILY WEEKLY MAGAZINE II |