A Hint for Older Sisters

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 1, 1915

A Hint for Older Sisters

"Now Florry, be good, and sit perfectly quiet." Florry's sister Avery did not realize how difficult a thing she had asked of the small girl with the crown of soft yellow hair. Sitting still is possible, and so is being good, but the two in combination present almost insurmountable difficulties.

The older sister who calls on restless Bobby or Charlie to sit down in the corner and be a good little boy, betrays an ignorance of human nature which does her no credit. There never yet was an active, eager little lad capable of such

a feat. Bobby may be made to sit still if a policeman mounts guard over him; but if you want him to be good, give him something to do.

A tactful older sister solved the problem not long ago when her mother's sudden indisposition left her with the housework on her hands, and, in addition, the responsibility of a diminutive brother and sister. This girl did not ask them to sit down and be good. She was too sensible to demand impossibilities of four years and six. And yet it was important that the children should be good and quiet, leaving her free to do her work, and leaving the sick mother undisturbed. She brought down the button bag, and summoned to her side the restless pair.

"Now, I want these buttons picked over very carefully," she said. "I want all the buttons that are alike put together. When you are sure that you have all the buttons of any particular kind, you may string them together with linen thread, and tie the ends of the thread."

That occupation lasted till it was time for the naps. The flaxen head and the golden one were close together throughout the exciting process of matching the buttons. Little piles of buttons fringed the hearthrug. One or two odd specimens were the occasion of a great deal of anxious discussion. And the absorbed babies were both good and quiet, because the right sort of occupation had been found for them.

Even the small boys and girls who are dressed up for a visit, and who cannot be allowed to play for fear of marring their immaculate appearance, can be given something to occupy them. Sometimes they are wise enough to discover an occupation for themselves. "There are six hundred and thirty rosebuds on the wall paper in this room," announced a small boy who had been sitting with his hands on his knees, waiting for the hour when he should start. Knowing the dangers of idleness, he had occupied himself by counting the flowers on the rather elaborate pattern of wall paper. It is not often that the little folks are capable of such foresight and wisdom, but the older sister should be capable of both. If you want the younger children to be good, give them something to occupy their active fingers and their restless minds.—Selected.