You and Your Child

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 9 May 1939, Page 2

You and Your Child

By Jane Herbert Goward FIND WHY CHILD IS DESTRUCTIVE Barbara’s habit of breaking her toys angers her parents, who scold her for it, but it seems to do no good. These parents should try another approach to the problem. Why continue using a method that does not get results? For instance, they might avoid scolding her the next time. On the surface this suggestion seems silly, but that is only because the average parent uses punishment as a means of correction, even when it fails to work. A child generally follows a line of conduct that brings him satisfaction. Remember this when a child needs correction. Sometimes curiosity prompts a child to pull apart a toy. This, however, must not be construed as destructiveness, so look for his motive. Barbara may throw away her toys j when she grows tired at play, or is l bored or discouraged. But in any case, this signifies only that the child is ready for excitement. Ignore her, therefore. Calmly picls up the toy and put it beyond her reach. If she cries for it, say, “You can have

I it, but it’s no good now.” Show her the damage done. If the toy Is unharmed, tell her she may have it if she stops I crying. In giving it to her say, "I know 1 you’ll play nicely with it this time.” She can if she tries; show her that you ! think so. I Children who break toys to see what makes them go need to be provided with more do-with toys (nests of : blocks, something to push, pull and build with) rather than the mechanical kind that one winds up to perform for ; him. A RECIPE FOR TO-DAY Surprise Potatoes I Four cups of mashed potatoes, t l cup cold meat, J teaspoon salt, | t teaspoon of nutmeg, a dash of pepper, 1 teaspoon onion Juice, 2 tablespoons of parsley, I egg, breadf crumbs. To the mashed potatoes add the salt, pepper, onion jniee and half the parsley, mix well, and if too dry add a little cold milk. To i th“ chopped meat add the rest of ’, the parsley, a little salt and pepper and mix welL Flatten out a spoonful of potatoes, lay a teaspoon of the s j meat in the centre, fold the potato s I around the meat and form into a roll about 24 inches kng. The meat y I must be completely covered. Roll In breadcrumbs, then egg, heated 9 l with one tablespoon cold milk, then 1. | the breadcrumbs, and fry in hot e fat. Serve with or without gravy.