THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18457, 21 July 1923, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD.

Many parents devote much thought and effort in the attempt to bring up their children in accordance -with a pattern which they consider ideal. They ignore the fact that every child has its own distinct individuality. They refuse to allow their children to express themselves in their own way, with the result that the children's tastes and budding talents are gradually crushed out by tho parents' ridicule, condemnation, or sheer lack of imagination. When the children grow up the mother and father ire the first to deplore the fact that their sons and daughters seem to have no marked aptitude or inclination for any special mode of life, no ambition, no definite ideas about pleasures, hobbies, or ideals. From the early days of babyhood ai child's own individuality should be respected. If one boy shows a, marked interest in books and oiotures, while his brother delights in imitating the gardener and working at a wee plot of his own —give both boys scopo to develop each his own taste.

If your little girl loves drawing what) she calls "pictures," but what you consider Billy scribbles —do not discourage her efforts with ridicule, but try to get at the thought behind the inadequate expression of her pencil. You will probably be surprised at the very definite thought and feeling she has about her drawing.

Children aro very intuitive and are quick to sense ridicule, misunderstanding, or an impression that they are being foolish or incompetent. They_ will withdraw their confidence immediately and either drop the occupation that has been derided or pursue it in secrecy.

It may be a great grief to a musical mother that her little daughter dislikes tho piano, but will devote hours of leisure to creating original doll's clothes. Under •these circumstances it is useless to persist in trying to make the child a musician far" better make her a successful dross designer expressing herself in her own way. Talent can be fostered or repressed by a parent, but it cannot be created.

Each child should be carefully watched in playtime and in quiet moments to see in what direction his or her talente lie. Whet; an inkling of any particular pref >)i once has been obtained thf, child shouti be encouraged to develop along certain lines. If a child shows no preference,, new hobbies can be introduced, and the child helped to observe, think, and experiment for 'himself. It matters little whether a child's preferences are various and short-lived. Lach will teach the bov or girl some new experience, each will aid towards the ultimate discovery of the career or calling that will bring happiness or success.