A CHARMING STUDY BY SCHMIDT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 118, 9 August 1927, Page 7

A CHARMING STUDY BY SCHMIDT

MAKING FRIENDS FOR YOUR CHILDREN Most parents like to know a little something about the home surroundings and influences of their children’s special school friends. Frequent requests from Joan and Betty for permission to spend the day with Peggy and Joyce; the announcement that Joan’s Uncle Dick took them all to the Zoo one afternoon; or that their little friends’ mother ran them out into the country for a jolly picnic in her car, naturally raise mental questionings as to the character of these shadowy relatives. One feels, perhaps, a trifle anxious when complete strangers assume responsibility in taking out one’s children as well as their own. When these school friendships seem to have arrived at the inseparable stage the most direct movement on the part of one or the other maternal parents is to make a formal call on her daughter’s little friend’s mother. There is plenty of excuse to do so, since she must wish to offer thanks for hospitality and other kindnesses received by her children. She has then every opportunity of forming her own opinions as to the desirability of the close friendship or otherwise. Seeking an Introduction Alternatively, at the school px'izegiving, or other affair which parents attend, you may make a point of saying to the little girls you have entertained at home, “Is your mother here, dear? I should like to meet her.” If you plan a pcinic, a visit to a matinee, are taking a party of young people to a children’s dance, and your Joan and Betty beg that they may be allowed to ask their own special chums to join them, it will reassure the other possibly doubtful parents if you write to them yourself, explaining the circumstances, warmly seconding your daughters’ invitations and promising to stand in loco parentis while the youthful party is in your charge. It is a great responsibility, of course, to undertake even the temporary guardianship of other people’s children, but you cannot evade it if you allow your own youngsters to entertain their friends in your house and under your direction. It shows a nice sense of what is right, too, if, after they have returned from their entertainment full of delight, you send a pretty note of warm thanks in your own name, as well as theirs, to the parents.