i t Ö(A&1 by Dr. Clyde M. Narramore
Dr. Narramore, graduate of Columbia University, Neiv York City, is a psychologist and Consultant in Research and Guidance with one o f the largest school systems in the United States
Left-Handedness Question. / would like to ask a ques tion about being left-handed — Is there any special difference between a person who is left-handed and one who is right-handed? What per centage of all people are left handed? Answer. According to the most reli able figures, about 7% of all men are left-handed; about 4% of all women are left-handed. Of course, many peo ple can use both hands equally well. There seems to be much more left- handedness in children. But by the time they reach adulthood, many of them have changed to right-handed ness. Another important fact is that in children, we do not notice such a large difference in handedness as far as sex is concerned. Girls usually acquire their handedness earlier than boys do. Differences in handedness are nor mal. However, we do know that this is primarily a right-handed world. That is, most things are made with right-handedness in mind. Some researchers believe that it is not wise to encourage a child to change his handedness. However, this has not been fully established. It is safe to say that parents should co operate with the handedness which seems to be definitely evident in their children. If a child can be encouraged to use his right hand without any detrimental effects, such as nervous ness, he probably should do so. But if a child, on the other hand, has a defi nite tendency for left hand, parents should cooperate with the child’s nat ural handedness. There is no special “ difference” be tween a person who is left handed and one who is right handed. This domi nance is controlled by the brain, but it does not mean that there is any special “ difference” in a person. Children Get Divorces, Too! Question. For a long time my husband and I have not been getting along well together. Our unhappiness is re flected in the children, which makes them extrem ely nervous, hard to man age, and cross. Since the situation is getting worse and we can’t seem to do anything about it, I have decided that it would
probably be best for all concerned if I filed for divorce. I know it won’t be easy for the children. However, I would like to explain to them so they won’t take it so hard. Answer. It seems to me that your prob lem is much deeper than the one of seeking an explanation suitable to your children. It is interesting to note that you state I HAVE DECIDED. According to God’s Word, it is not for us Christians to decide. God’s instruc tions and solutions stand the test of time. Human decisions have only temporary, if any, real value. One might ask if your contemplated action will solve your problem or add to it. Studies reveal that those who marry the second time are poorer risks than those who marry for the first time. As I counsel with people I am im pressed with the misconception which so many have. That misconception is that married couples get along per fectly at all times. Actually, there is no such thing as a perfect human re lationship, because we are imperfect people with different backgrounds and beliefs. Many fine couples have saved their marriage by carefully dis cussing their differences and the causes of their differences. Devotions Question. As a mother of two children, both under two years of age, I need much wisdom in rearing them. Your articles are a great help to me. I have devotions every morning with my twenty months old son. He does the motions to choruses and jab bers from his own New Testament. He folds his hands as I pray. M y hus band and I count it a real joy to see our children grow into these things. Answer. I greatly appreciate y o u r letter. You are engaged in the most important work in the world — train ing a child in the things of the Lord. Perhaps others of our readers will, after reading your letter, see the im portance of spending more time train ing their children. Dr. Narramore will be one of the conference speakers during BIOLA Week at Mount Hermon, California, this summer. The dates are August 9-16. Write directly to the Mount Hermon Conference, Mount Hermon, for reservations.
DR. NARRAMORE
Question. When you are tired of going steady how do you break off without hurting the other person’s feelings? Answer. The best solution is an hon est talk about the way you both feel. From this talk you should attempt to reach a friendly understanding. If either the boy or the girl is tired of going steady it is important to break the steady agreement. You’ll find it easy once you start talking about it. Cruelty to Animals Question. What causes a child to be so cruel to animals? I know a little boy who beats and hits any animal near him. He does this all the time. Answer. Cruelty is a serious behavior disorder. In contrast to an angry, jeal ous or spiteful child who needs some provocation to call forth the unpleas ant deed, the cruel child hurts for the pleasure of hurting. He gets satisfac tion out of seeing others suffer. He lacks sympathy, and since cowardice is frequently associated with cruelty, he is apt to select as his victims, small children or harmless animals. One researcher has found that cruel children have parents who lack con sideration for the feelings and suffer ings of others. The cruel child, him self, has usually been tortured or punished severely by his parents. Some cases of extreme cruelty to animals are due to children who are mentally ill. These children need pro fessional diagnosis and treatment. In other words, the problem may not be a simple problem of striking animals. It may be a severe mental problem which can only be diagnosed and treated by a psychologist or psychia trist.
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