p. 14 | A Square Deal for the Boy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1916

A Square Deal for the Boy

By Virginia T. Van de Water

I WOULD not make a household drudge of a boy, but I would have him feel that he has certain duties to perform, and that these are expected of him. But in establishing this rule, one must grant him the same privileges that one grants a girl.

One of such privileges is open house for his friends. The girl's chums run in freely, they take meals, spend the night, and are almost as daughters of the house. Why may not such conditions exist with the boy?

For instance, let Jack bring his chum home from school. Let him entertain him in his room, if it is large enough. If not, put the living-room at his disposal.

Yes, I mean this. You would let Mary bring her dearest friend into the living-room; the pair would sit there hour after hour. Then why not show the same indulgence to Jack?

“But boys are so careless!” do you exclaim?

If Jack is careless, it may be because you have not taught him to be careful—have not developed his sense of responsibility as part owner of the house. Have you consulted him as to what color he thinks would be pretty for the chair you are buying for your parlor? He may say “bright blue;” yet, if so, it is easy for you to suggest tactfully that blue would not harmonize with the furniture you already possess. But do make him realize that he is consulted. Ask his opinion as to where the new rug would look best; get him to lend you a hand in arranging the books in the new bookcase; take his taste and wishes into consideration as much as you take into consideration his sister’s ideas. He may not always be correct in his judgments, but neither is the girl. Both have to be guided and trained to like the best in art and literature; but surely the boy has as good a right to be deferred to as the girl has.—Virginia T. Van de Water, in the Mother’s Magazine.