SERIOUS QUESTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 149, 24 May 1928, Page 7

SERIOUS QUESTION.

BRINGING UP CHILDREN

OLD METHODS CHANGED

LONDON, May 12. How should tou bring up your child P * .

Mould him or her according to pattern ? .

Or develop the individuality given bv a kindly Mother Nature?

The question, always, a serious one with the parent, has come to the fore as a result of the statement of a mistress, at the opening of the W ©ston Birt School for girls, that the school was a 192 S version of the "Victorian model where deportment was so important, and that it was hoped to develop a womanly type instead of the manly type of girl so common to-day. “The olden habit of moulding all children on the same pattern was deplorable. I know it because I suffered from it.” This was the comment of Queen Victoria’s 80-year-old daughter, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. She added that nowadays individuality was recognised. There are other society leaders old enough to remember their Victorian upbringing with concern. Lady Southwark, author of “Social and Political Reminiscences,” says that in her youth girls who were not taught to earn theirTiving and to acquire independence often found themselves in later life reduced to circumstances without their own resources. . Girls were compelled to learn music, singing and painting regardless of their own wishes or aptitudes. Parents frowned on higher education. They would nave considered it dreadful to want to become a doctor. The modern system of allowing children to develop their individuality was far more sensible. TABLES TURNED. “Nevertheless,” says Lady Southwark/’ there should be moderation even in the modern girl’s freedom.” Lady Erleigh, daughter of Sir Allred Mond, deplored the old-time expressions, which cramped children’s, especially girls’ minds, and made Sunday the most miserable day of the week. “It is said that children had a bad time then, and. that parents have a bad time now. Still I porter the present system because the children benefit. One hears jess about naughtiness because there is less reason to be naughty. ’They are not suppressed with endless rules and regulations. A high-spirited boy or girl who was in ehdless trouble in the olden days ligs lost confidence nowadays when they aie 'riven a chance of self-expression. 0 “I am glad that the old restraints o'f my childhood are going out. but mind vou, I am in favour of a little salutary discipline. Children, especially girls, must learn to face lire s facts,” said Lady Erleigh.