FATHERS ENTERTAINED

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 242, 9 July 1938, Page 6

FATHERS ENTERTAINED

Eastbourne League Of Mothers Meeting

The recent meeting of the Eastbourne branch of the League of Mothers took the form of a combined lecture and party at which the fathers were the guests of the mothers. The Masonic Hall, Eastbourne, looked festive with bowls of spring flowers and native foliUg Mrs. Shearer presided and extended a welcome to the speaker for the night, Mr. Brasted, and to visitors, members, and fathers. Mrs. Kersley, Mr. Brasted, and artists who assisted at the entertainment were presented with floral tokens artistically arranged by Mrs. Bowie. Mr. Brasted spoke on “The Boy Problem,” and said there was no particular way of making a man out of a boy. It was very much a struggle with the boy himself. There was Jimmy, the careless. happy-go-lucky boy; James, mother’s boy ; and Jim, the young man, solid and well worth while. A boy chafed tinder restraint, rules, and regulations, blit, guided by love at home, he would respond. Often he was misunderstood. Over-anxious parents restrained him unduly, and fathers were harsh, not realising that, the boy was developing opinions of his own. The adolescent period was a time of great change, strange ideas, and the desire to experiment, Mr. Brasted said. Physically, it was a time of rapid and uneven growth and athletic games, well directed, were it safe outlet. Socially, it was the “gang” period, when .cliques were formed and hero-worship indulged in.

Intellectually, the boy began to form his own opinions. He had vivid imagination, and wise suggestion woiild help much. He was often restless, self-as-sertive, and critical, and needed careful handling. Parents were urged tp release restraint and to lead, not drive, their children.

Religion was a great outlet for a boy’s emotions and gave him scope for high ideals and service toward others. The chief thing for parents was to understand their son, to treat him sympathetically, and to praise his efforts. Mrs. Kersley congratulated Mrs. Shearer on a very successful meeting and Mrs. Bowie on making the posies for presentation. Mrs. Shearer thanked all who had helped with the evening. Supper concluded the meeting.