talking it over with Dr. Clyde M . Narramore
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Dr. Narramore, graduate of Columbia University, New York City, is a psychologist and Consultant in Research and Guidance with one of the largest school systems in the United States.
take lessons, attend an afternoon course, do some special reading or writing, attend lectures, visit the sick, or in some way develop and express herself. When a husband sees his re sponsibility in making this possible, he will have a much happier wife and children. This will enable her to enrich her life, so that she can make a greater contribution to her family. (2) The persistent, never-ending pressure of being responsible for younger children is a trying experi ence for almost any woman. It is always compounded when there are several children. This continual re sponsibility is threatening to her peace of mind. In many other cultures, there are, usually, servants or family members who assist mothers. But in a modem, industrial society, who is available to help the average housewife? The husband and wife should make every effort to provide an occasional relief. This usually costs very little. Often a high school girl can be secured to come in for one or two hours, at very small expense. It pays off in the wife’s improved mental health and general well-being. (3) Perhaps some child in your family is requiring an unusual amount of attention. The child m&y be maladjusted in some way, harbor ing an unseen, serious problem. The situation should be studied carefully, and given professional help. This should be done even if it means tak ing the child to a specialist to dis cover the extent of the problem, and to receive medical, or psychological, help. There is much that can be done for such children, and it will always make the load lighter for the moth er. (4) Look to the health of the moth
er. When a wife is not in good physi cal or emotional health, she may find a normal load of housework to be an overload. When she is in good health, she can meet almost any situation with ease. To the person who is not feeling well, the ordinary tasks of life can become overwhelming. She might benefit from seeing a specialist such as a neurologist, (nerve special ist), or an endrocrinologist, (gland specialist), to discover these problems. (5) One final suggestion: Have you ever fully realized the great contribu tion you are making as a homemaker? There are many women who have never been challenged with the true greatness of their responsibilities. When a Christian mother comes to see that God has entrusted her with the greatest work in all the world — molding precious lives — all other work seems less important. I have known many outstanding women who could have brilliant careers, but they have utterly abandoned such dreams to guide and direct their children. These little ones have eternal souls which will live somewhere forever! I suggest that you review these five considerations to see if any of them apply to your situation. Think them through, very carefully, then make the necessary steps to solve the prob lem. L ISTEN TO DR. N A R R AM O R E over KBBI, 107.5 me, Los An geles, Monday through Friday, 12:45- 1:00 P.M. with "Psy chology for Living." (Also heard on selected stations across the country and foreign missionary radio installations around the world.)
THE HOUSEW IFE D IL E M M A Dear Dr. Narramore: Q. Would you please discuss the di lemma of a housewife who has talent she would like to develop? She needs to grow and develop for her own peace of mind, if for no other reason. Yet she is tied down by housework to the extent that she is unable to de vote any time to it. Believe me, l have tried to study and practice my music, but my chil dren demand all of my attention. I am criticized, constantly and sev erely, by my family and others for the housework I have left undone. Its gotten to the state where I feel I’ll go insane if 1 can’t find the an swer soon. Please pray for me. Your radio pro gram and your writings have helped me in many, many ways. Sincerely, J. T. Dear Mrs. Upset: A. This is a problem about which many women throughout the United States are writing. Usually there are several basic factors to consider: (1) God has given every person talents and abilities, and we are nev er happy until these gifts, small or great, are developed. We are bom to create. God has given us intelligence which is intended to be used. Every husband and wife should recognize this in each other, and should do all possible to meet this basic human need. Even if a wife can only be re leased from her household duties for a few hours each week, she should be given this liberty. Some couples do it this way: They arrange for the wife to be free one evening or after noon each week to follow a hobby,
THE KING'S BUSINESS
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