TRAINING CHILDREN

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 29, 3 August 1933, Page 7

TRAINING CHILDREN

"RESPECT INDEPENDENCE"

"The development of the adolescent child, like the building of a ship," said the Rot. .23. P. Blamires, in the address to the Brooklyn Methodist Parents' Association last night, "may be divided into three processes. Eirst the gathering together of the materials, second the actual building, and third the launching." There were three points, he said, .which, in his personal experience of training children .wore-..0f great, importance. • First, ; to .respect their independence. -There, was that urge independence which became perceptible in a child about 32 years, and which he could not help. Make allowances,, unless they 'felt- that the older generation Tiad made' an unqualified success of this world. They did not want children to ■ repeat their mistakes. ' Second, they should win their confidence. "This," lie said, "is to lessen by half these.'problems which come to some parents. It is a'great achievement for a parent, and it cannot be' forced' in 'the least. Begin by insisting on the child deciding—with tho facts before him—for ■ himself. He will make;one mistake perhaps, but tho experienco will help him later on. when you are not at hand to advise. Begin by sharing hisipleasures. ■-■••■ "Third," he'proceeded, "appreciate his criticism. A child has stopped taking everything for. granted, and,has ideals now, and very high ones. Any ridicule or sarcasm would sear tho bud as a cold southerly .wind, and the flower would never bo perfect. Go with him, arm in arm,-and the combination of young wholehearted enthusiasm, coupled with wise maturer judgment, will ,bo of the utmost-benefit, to the community and to the race." '