The mothercraft manual (1916) (14775892342)

Identifier: mothercraftmanua01read (find matches)
Title: The mothercraft manual
Year: 1916 (1910s)
Authors: Read, Mary Lillian, 1878-
Subjects: Child care Child development Mothers
Publisher: Boston : Little, Brown, and Company
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress



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ould becultivated from early childhood by the practice ofthings that the children can do, such as keeping thesidewalks clear of litter instead of scattering thatabout. Patriotism should be taught chiefly as aresponsibility, rather than a form of excitement orvanity. International sympathy can be cultivatedthrough sympathetic acquaintance with children ofother countries, through pictures and stories, drama-tizing of their ways, through personal acquaintance,either directly or by correspondence. The roots ofinternational peace, or of strife and militarism, areplanted in the nursery. Emotions need training in expression, control,depth, and genuineness. Submission and easy content-ment are not a virtue in childhood but a weakness. Ina strong character, emotions are strong, and theirexpression strong, but needing guidance and poise.Any emotion, — for instance, love of country, offriends or parents, — should not be permitted to stopmerely with the pleasurable sensation of excitement and
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I I EDUCATION OF THE LITTLE CHILD 213 emotional glow, but the childs attention should becalled directly and also by stories to the necessity forputting a generous emotion into active expression, bydoing some helpful deed, or by carrying responsibility.This is the completion of the reflex arc. Tantrumsand temper should be prevented whenever possibleby forewarning the child, for instance, that play mustend when the next block house has been finished. Thenew adjustment of emotions and expectations is slowerin the child than in the adult, and needs forewarning.Some children develop an unpleasant forwardness orgushing, the former an overdeveloped individualism,the latter a childish sensualism, both superficial.Meeting these with indifference and inattention willusually reduce them automatically. The child of veryintense or poorly controlled emotions needs carefulattention in a regular, outdoor physical regime, thedaily nap, rhythmic exercises and games which trainin relaxation, and constan