CHILD’S EARLY EXPERIENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 26 January 1937, Page 9

CHILD’S EARLY EXPERIENCE

ITS IMPORTANCE STRESSED The importance of the early experiences of a child cannot be over-stress-ed, for from them the child gains his first introduction to, and impression of, his fellow-beings, writes Miss N. K. Hunnybun, of the London Child Guidance Clinic, in the “Children,” the organ of the National Children's Home. And to a great extent, she continues, his attitude to his companions and indeed to life as a whole will be derived from those first relationships. It is true, of course, that later experiences exert a modifying influence, but the fact remains that early experiences, whether constructive or destructive, are of the greatest importance in determining all future attitudes. Another thing that the child gains for better or for worse through those early experiences is his attitude to authority, which is so important in later life. For instance, a child who learns in the early years to accept denial from someone whom he loves is much more ready in later life to accept the necessary denials that will come. He will accept them without so much feeling of disturbance or animosity, because his early experiences have taught him that in the main adults give when they can, and only deny ..when they must.