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Show WOMAN'S WORLD Select Gifts That Will Satisfy Creative Urge of Your Children By Ertta Haley HOW MANY MOTHERS have said, a few days after Santa , Claus paid his annual visit, "All those toys, and yet Jimmy can't seem to find anything to do." Youngsters can indeed have a 'lot of toys, but somehow, not enough to keep them busy when they must stay inside on account of stormy weather or illness. On the other side of the picture, you may have a child with few toys who can play happily for hours. There is a difference in children, It's true, but there may be a big difference in the toys. Parents frequently fre-quently choose something which may appeal to them bui. which is too advanced for the child, or not advanced ad-vanced enough. Often their choice Is based on short range planning which is perfectly per-fectly natural during the holiday rush when shopping has to get done. Take a long range view of the toy situation, however, and you'll choose toys which will stimulate the child and thus keep him occupied occu-pied for long periods of time. It's worth it when you think of the time they'll be Spending In the house! Children get bored with too many toys right at once. If you can manage It, see that some toys are set aside after they're opened, and let the youngsters rotate playing with different kinds. Insist that toys played with must be put carefully cally so he'll know what's expected. expect-ed. Spread the floor with newspapers, newspa-pers, set up paints and water, then brushes and books or an easel. This will save accidents on the floor since the papers are absorbent. You can provide paint aprons or smocks, too, and you'll find the youngsters are delighted with these as presents, as well as easels, paints, brushes and books. Let the child swish his brush around as he pleases, and paint what pictures he chooses. It's to be understood that he cannot paint furniture or walls. If you've ever watched finger painting or done it yourself, you know what an immense joy it is. The fingers are dipped in the paint and the painting is done on butcher's paper, finger painting paper or any other type that has a high gloss. When the paint has dried, the paper can be pressed with a warm iron on the wrong side, then hung or mounted. This makes a "permanent" "perma-nent" picture which may be used in the child's room. Water paints as well as finger paints can easily be washed off with water, and thus make no permanent per-manent damage if used on furniture accidentally. It's also easy to clean fingers and clothing after painting time Is ready for clean-up time. Older Youngsters Enjoy Imitating Adults The influence of living with adults predominates children's lives and it's easy to understand why they like to engage in adult-like activities activi-ties such as building and repairing cars and motors, cooking, setting table, washing dishes or clothing, cleaning, and dressing dolls. You can keep little girls busy for hours with just a single doll if that doll has enough changes of clothing for the girl to imagine enough activities. Doll clothing can be made by mother, in fact a complete wardrobe, and this will occupy two or three youngsters for a whole afternoon. Children will even enjoy helping with the cleaning if you supply them with toys their size. Carpet sweepers sweep-ers and vacuum cleaners that really real-ly operate can be put to use in gleaning and picking up their rooms. Make some attractive dust cloths, too, and see how easily and readily they'll use them. Construction toys appeal to both boys and girls and are excellent for teaching not only following instructions in-structions but also coordination. For somewhat younger children there are sets of villages that work something like a puzzle. Youngsters eight years old and up can be turned loose in the kitchen kitch-en to make such things as muffins, puddings and casseroles for the noon or evening meal. Before actually ac-tually letting them cook, lay the groundwork with some teaching and participation. There are some fine books for children's cooking which will help you teach them. Embroidery work for . girls can be started at seven or eight, and of course, there are weaving and other types of handicraft which are interesting, too. Make Modeling Clay Sets At Home Creativ toys for youngsters. . . . away, before new ones come out. This is not a severe disciplinary measure, but an essential training effort In the bringing up of the young. The tactic is followed in play schools and children learn to accept ac-cept It without question. Start Youngsters On Simple Toys Children In the three to five age group have a great deal of imagination imagi-nation even though you may not be able to follow their trend of thought. Watch them at play, and they'll be busy creating this and that. They'll tell you what it is, even though you might never be able to identify it by yourself. These children need toys within their grasp. Blocks are still good, but give them a good supply of coloring col-oring books, cut-outs, simple puzzles puz-zles with about five large pieces, finger paints, dough and model clay. With a place of their own to work, primarly a 'low table and chair or stool, they'll keep happily busy for a good length of time. They'll come to you frequently to show you what's going on, and you'll find that small praise will keep them happily engaged on more projects. They'll make a mess, too, but you'll find they're happy to help you clean it up, if you've taught them pride in neatness. While they play, let them mess to their heart's content; otherwise, you'll be frustrating frus-trating their normal, busy instincts at self-expression. For long afternoons when they're give opportunity for expression confined to bed or at least indoors, beading, puzzles, cooking and even sewing will keep the little ones happy. These are time-consuming occupations which will keep them out from underfoot. Boys as well as girls will enjoy cooking. They may sometimes prefer pre-fer your equipment to theirs, but cookie cutters and small molds from mother's kitchen cannot easily easi-ly be ruined. For smaller children, the toys are better since they can be grasped more readily. Types of Fainting Interest Children Children who have difficulty expressing ex-pressing themselves usually love to paint. However, you'll find that talkative children can become very Interested, too. The time they want to spend on painting varies with each individual. When you first introduce paints to the child, go about it methodi- Modeling animals, inanimate objects ob-jects or still life can keep children well occupied for hours at a time. These little sets make nice presents and can be made at home very quickly. Potter's clay bought in powdered or already-mixed form is the thing to use. Mix with water, if you use powder, until soft and pliable. Place the balls in decorated jars. You may use odd jars and decorate them with decals for a festive look, or paint the youngsters' names on the jars. After using the clay, the child should be taught to roll it in a ball, poke a hole to the center with his finger, and fill that with water. The balls are then placed in the jars, covered, to be ready for future use. Don't forget young fry fashions In nightwear if you're ' looking for a practical gift. In addition to the pastels and plaids, you'll find that bright red flannel pajamas and gowns tie very new |