Show THE HABIT OF SELF RELI ANCE A normal child can amuse himself by the hour if he is left to himself which proves that the majority of children are naturally self reliant if they are permitted to be so and are en in this trait of character come and build a castle for mother out of your blocks says the wise mother who wishes to divert a fretful child johnny is delighted with the suggestion and proudly builds a castle block by block then she praises him and he is satisfied c oti an the other hand the moth er who loves her child just as well but who lacks tact says come and let mother build a castlo castle for johnny out of the blocks they sit down on the floor and mother builds the castle which pleases the child immensely men sely As soon as this task is completed he wants mother to build another and if she does not do so he pouts and perhaps screams and kicks until he gains his point after that he knows just how to manage his mother and he depends upon her to amuse and entertain him to suit his pleasure 1 I have never even buttoned my own shoes said a young woman recently who was suddenly left penniless then she a added how can I 1 earn my own living my father simply would not permit me to wait upon myself or fit myself for anything for he was so sure that my future was provided for As soon as the child is old enough to button his own garments he should be taught that it is a manly thing to do furthermore ther more he should be provided with his own toilet conveniences and taught how to care for himself properly without depending upon the nurse or mother for everything all mothers can not afford to employ a nurse for their children then too there are those who will not do so 80 because they prefer to care for the ther children themselves such mothers will find their burdens materially lessened if their children childre nare are grounded in habits of self reliance and helpfulness ful ness which means that they will not only be good but good for something in later life it is a great mistake for a mother to wait upon her children for every little thing they desire it makes a slave of the mother and tyrants of the children if instead of the mother running to their assistance every time they cry where is my hat or where is my doll 7 that they must be responsible for their own things they will soon learn leam to re rely ly upon themselves more |