A DISASTROUS TRAIT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1938, Page 4

A DISASTROUS TRAIT

THE AGGRESSIVE CHILD.

All children want their own way. Aggressive ones get it! Their persistence, their forcefulness and resource override all barriers.

This may be a good trait in the right channels, but it is disastrous if not controlled. Their demands on other people make aggressive people unpopular, yet fear compels grownups and other children to give it to them. As time goes on, they became that most pitiable of spectacles, men or women, often outwardly successful, but without a friend or a well-wisher.

All her energy, intelligence, ability for leadership, and strength of will must be utilised for good instead of for naughtiness. Keep her busy! The proverb anent Satan and idle hands was coined for this type of child. Set an interesting goal for her activities, even if the task is monotonous.

Competition stimulates a girl like this. Team games where her forcefulness is needed, but where she must subordinate her personality for the good of the side, are excellent. She can often be relied on to protect the weaker or younger. Give her some responsibility such as looking after a pet, or minding a little sister, or making her a class prefect, but watch carefully that she does not abuse the trust.

Aggressiveness, especially in a girl, is often a cover for an inferiority complex. She resents the fact that she is not a boy or that she is a younger sister. She may be a particularly plain child, and some foolish adult has mentioned the fact in her hearing. Her father may not like children and she is determined to force herself on his notice. Usually she does — with lamentable results! Unsuitable clothes can embarrass a girl more than grown-ups think. Her mother may have a fondness for fussy garments or dress her hair in an oldfashioned style—how many torments have we all suffered in childhood from just such small grits in the wheels of our existence?

Remember that they are not small to a child. She hates to think that other children may be laughing at her, and attempts to forestall this by a display of aggressive bluster.