RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33106, 22 December 1972, Page 15

RANDOM REMINDER

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Defeatism, it seems, has yet to find a place in the hearts and minds of our seven- to eight-year-olds who, through sheer pertinacity alone, are often known to overcome problems, which at the time, must loom largely in their minds.

A case in point is that of the freckle-faced snubnosed youngster, until recently something of a young firebrand and regarded by his parents as a problem child, who almost overnight has discarded his wayward ways and assumed, in their eyes the stature of a young kinght in shining armour. The metamorphosis, they claim, dates from the moment he joined a Cub pack, and coincides with the immediate influence exerted upon him by his Akela—a woman of infinite charm and wisdom. She has worked wonders with him. He now has a healthy respect for other people’s property. But the. greatest transformation

has been in his general demeanour. His manners are now impeccable and his eating habits much more civilised than previously. But there is food for thought in the fact that, with some, the acquisition of cub badges presents its problems and pitfalls. A few Saturday mornings ago the boy’s' parents had occasion to visit an ailing relative in the country and left their young hopeful at home busily engrossed in manufacturing his first kite.

Returning some two and a half hours later, they were perturbed to see dense clouds of smoke billowing from their residence, reminiscent of some sort of papal proclamation. They feared the worst. Rushing inside, they flung windows and doors wide open, converged on their kitchenette and discovered their lad engrossed at the stove busily engaged in making pikelets. The finished product looked like brickettes. He was far too young to

realise that the hot plate he was using required greasing but knew that before getting that cooking badge he would have to start the exercise all over again. Mothers, everywhere are the most wonderful of people, forgiving and helpful. Under her guidance later that afternoon the boy finished his assignment. And, in due course, received his coveted emblem. He has told his parents that his next assignment is to vacuum the lounge carpet, dust, make his bed and thus qualify for his housekeeping one. Meanwhile however, his mother’s vacuum cleaner is safely under lock and key. And he would be unaware that she has made arrangements with the insurance people to increase the cover on her more valuable items of fine China. After all, Dresden China —she possesses three sets —is these days almost a priceless possession and somewhat fragile.