The Adolescent ChildBy Julia Clark Hallam(From “Studies in Child Development.” American contemporary. Instructor in the University of Chicago.)
By Julia Clark Hallam
(From “Studies in Child Development.” American contemporary. Instructor in the University of Chicago.)
It goes without saying that every mother has an imperative duty toward her son as he approachesthis important period in his development. Nature has done her part in preparing the boy’s body, the mother must be doing her part in preparing his mind for all of these new experiences. There are many things which a mother can do because she is the mother, and because her mind is mature while the mind of the boy is yet immature. The mother, through her study, comes to see that the adolescent boy is about to acquire new powers. Before, he was simply an individual. Now he is becoming a part of the race, because he is acquiring the power of conserving it. To the mother who has duly prepared herself for her child’s adolescence, its appearance will bring the same mysterious thrill which she felt when she first saw the child as a new-born babe. It has been said in this connection, “When a baby is to be born, preparations for its advent are carefully made. But when, in future years, the most critical time comes when the child is to be re-born, a man or a woman, it is rare that intelligent suggestions or wise words of counsel tell him or her of the importance of the period.”