CARE OP THE CHILD.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 281, 25 November 1921, Page 8

CARE OP THE CHILD.

(To tbe Editor.) Sir,—As an ordinary mother, trained during her childhood in the Old Country, it etrikes mo that there is a good deal of truth in the assertion that the modern child is undisciplined, but '8.6/' spoils his letter hv the remark "boys cannot have too much strap." The healthy, normal boy is an interesting study to those who love him. He is a compound of restless energy (in store for his years of growth), unbounded curiosity (he has a fascinating worldful of things to find out), a. strong sense of justice, a great deal of pride, sensitiveness, and an unbounded capacity for hero-wore-hip. These characteristics make him irritating to thoee who neither understand him nor wish to do so. Where is the sense in .beating him for the qualities God has given him, which make for the virility and originality of the race? Any good teacher will tell you that the best disciplinarian is the man who can .best train the little minds, and keep order without necessarily hurting the little defenceless bodies: the worst is the man who tries to break the little wills and reduce the child to a nerve-racked machine, or R hardened ne'er-do-well. But it takes time and intelligence to turn that restless energy into its proper channels. The ordinary mother has none of. the fosmer, and," owing to the constant and monotonous nature of housework cannot use the latter to much advantage. I find it hard to have even a short time every day with my 'boys, but I do try to .interest them in sports and games, and 1 make them considerate and courteous. Only the boy who lies, deceives, or is knowing!} ,, vicious, cruel, or disobedient deserves the strap. It is sad to think of ■the poor, dying -soldier and bhc sick, old man, tut perhaps the children know nothing about them? Many boys could give "8.5." a lesson in sympathy and consideration once their interest is awakened. The child is the future; arc not all the citzens of the country interested in its future? If the bachelors and childless people would try to look at the question from the child's point of view, and understand the bitterness and loss of faith caused to the little mind by unjust punishment, the mother's life would be easier, and there be fewer nervous wrecks among vs. A child is not necessarily naughty because his noise comes bet.ween y"vi and your evening paper, you know, "B.S." —I am, etc. MADRE.