Pleasure in Little Things by Alice Elizabeth Cate

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 30, 1916

Pleasure in Little Things

By Alice Elizabeth Cate

How can children best be taught to take pleasure in little things?

If children are fortunate enough to be born poor, with an ingenious mother, the chances are that they will be brought up on a joyous medley of clothespins, Ivory soap (with nails and hammer to go with it), a dozen feet of clothesline, and some blocks. Joy in these things can be cultivated even in wealth if the mother is wise and self-disciplined, and gives some time to studying the longings of little children for simple toys and simple joys.

I know a very small boy who didn’t seem to get much pleasure out of his surroundings. His mother made up her mind that he must be made to take pleasure in little things. She used to say, again and again when they were driving or having a frolic: “Aren’t we having a lovely time?” “Isn’t it the loveliest day you ever saw?” And before long the small boy was saying the same things, and noticing when the sun shone and that the ride was lovely. One day, while sitting with him in the hammock, his mother cuddled him up to her as she said,—

“You and I together, Love, Never mind the weather, Love.”

For months afterward, whenever they were alone together, he would lisp,—

“You and I to-geller, Love, Never mind the welter, Love.”

The secret, of course, is that the mother herself must see how infinitely interesting little nothings are, and be able to pass on her enthusiasm, eye kindling eye.—Alice Elizabeth Cate, in Home Progress.