YOUTHFUL IDEALS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3442, 12 March 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

YOUTHFUL IDEALS

A CHILD’S SELF-RELIANCE.

(Contributed.)

Returning from a shopping trip, a few days ago, I met a very small friend of mine travelling on a bus. When he saw me he beamed,. and squirmed over on his seat until he could talk to me. “ You don’t see anybody with me, do you ? ” he inquired, and his cheeks puffed out with his wide smile until I had a sensation that he was about to burst. No, I didn’t see anyone with him. “ I went to school all by myself, and here I am going home all by myself ! ” There was an electric pause, a thought suspended in mid-air, which I was without question supposed to comment on, perhaps even cheer a little

I didn’t disappoint him. _lt was too great an event to spoil with faint praise, and his radiant little face remained in my mind long after he had proudly rung the bell as he got off, trotting importantly toward home. Such an adventure! And such a pity we can’t remember back far enough to realise how proud and happy we were, too, when mother put some responsibility on our small shoulders and we came through with flying colours. For even going to school and returning alone on the bus IS an adventure, when the biggest journey one has ever undertaken is perhaps but a block or so from home. Children will be self-reliant only if we give them the opportunity. How can they ever walk alone if we are always there to hold their hands, help them over the bumps, and guide their feet?

And remember to rise to the occasion, with intelligent praise and sincere interest*, when the youngster goes, for instance, on a thrilling adventure, such as a bus ride to and from school “ all by himself ! ”