THE CHILD MIND.

New Zealand Tablet, 19 January 1922, Page 45

THE CHILD MIND.

Some children appear brighter than others. Many a seemingly dull child has very bright and intelligent parents. This sometimes has considerable to do with the way a mother trains her child in everyday life. Have you ever noticed a child in the street car, or elsewhere talking to itself, asking her mother questions as “What is this” or “that” and receiving no answer, unless it is “keep still’ or “be quiet?” This happens very often. The mother goes on' with the little one, gives it fresh air, and thinks she has done her-duty. The child sees horses, cars, dogs, buildings, etc., and has to form its own opinions as to “what they are” and “why they are there.”* Mother disregards the child’s questions and it soon becomes dull and dry, same as mother appears to the child. If the child is in company and someone asks it questions it does not answer—it is considered a dull child. On the other hand, if mother talks, and points out different things it very soon becomes interested, bright, learns fast, and is alert in answering questions. It . also teaches the child that mother knows everything and is interested in him, and all he has to do is to “ask mother” and she will tell him.