The
children who suffer most during wartime are the adolescents.
They are keenly alive to all that goes on about them. They miss
nothing of the news, excitement, and drama of the day. They
are sensitive and eager to know all about the battles and the
men who fight them. Many of them want to get into the service
and share the adventures so glamorously depicted on the radio
and in the news. Many, indeed most of them, are frightened,
and their excitement is hiding it even from themselves.
These
children must be steadied by the quiet, strong assurance of
their parents. Words alone will not accomplish this, but occupation
that is useful will. Each older boy and girl should be kept
busy at worthwhile work for the duration at least. Busy children
are happy, and happy children have a hold on health that even
a war fails to loosen.
