Recreations for Children.

Otago Witness, Issue 2387, 30 November 1899, Page 56

Recreations for Children.

Perhaps a few words as to what recreation really is meant to be may not come amiss here. As the word implies, it is a making over again of tired muscles and wearied brains. Now, some children rjossesf-' much energy — they work as hard at play as they do at lessons. If this be the case, such change of occupation is not sufficient to recreate them. They must then be induced to take complete rest at certain times. A brief spell on mother's Chesterfield will do more than hours of active play. In fact, to be really beneficial, exercise and play must stop short of fatigue. They should be alternated with periods of nbsolute muscular and mental repose. Many a child is taken out to a place of amusement, and, instead of good, harm results. Either the method of arriving there is not adapted to the strength of the little one or the amount of time spent there is excessive for its age and strength. A good walk is an excellent thing, but not taken at adult pace. A "romp" is splendid, but only when giants of sft high are not allowed to over-ride a pigmy of 36in ! It seems to me the great art of managing our children's amusements is to know there is an art, and to turn our attention, to mastering it. To succeed in properly controlling the recreations of our circle, it is necessary to put away all indolence and "take a positive rather than a negative attitude towards L them. "A little genius goes a

long . ' way in giving trouble, and the most richly gifted characters have seldom been easy to control in boyhood." We who are hoping to see the divine spark in' our sons and daughters some day must not be annoyed if bur mechanical lad, in turning his attention to cog wheels, spokes, and ball bearings, leaves a mess behind him. We must be- patient when embryo maternal tenderness ruckles, and puckers, and break needles in sewing- dolls' clothes. — Miss L. O. Cooper in the Quiver.