Radio and television mirror (July-Dec 1950)

Julie Paterno mothers the children who live at the orphanage, Hilltop House, as if they were her own. One of these, Pixie, past fourteen, presents all the joys and problems that occur in any household in which a teen-age daughter lives. She's beginning to feel herself an individual with rights and privileges as such — no longer a child, to be governed by rules and denied what she considers more grown up experiences to which she feels she is entitled. She wants to make her own decisions — her own mistakes, if need be. She's filled with a sense of power and believes she has a good deal of knowledge— which to Pixie, as to any adolescent, is a feeling of knowing everything that there is to know! All of these throw her judgment out of balance and make for too-hasty decisions. Pfxie has become, for the first time in her life, interested in a boy — a boy who has, unfortunately, an undesirable character. Julie, of course, realizes Pixie is growing up, must be treated accordingly. But she knows, too, that Pixie hasn't yet the experience and wisdom that the future years will bring to her, wants to help her in whatever way she can, without imposing discipline of the sort that works well with younger children, but doesn't work at all with adolescents. Discipline without an understanding of the adolescent's needs and his changing personality will only cause a revolt, be harmful, solve nothing. She has gently and tactfully made it clear to Pixie the girl's behavior will reflect in a way on Hilltop House and on Julie who, taking a mother's place, gave Pixie^ her childhood training. Beyond that, Julie lets Pixie know she has complete faith in her, which Julie feels is most important. What are your feelings on the subject of the "amount of rope" a teen-ager should be given? How far should her judgment be deferred to, her decisions allowed to stand? What should she be allowed to decide for herself, in what be guided by her parents? Consider it from a broad point of view — that is, taking teen-agers generally, as well as the specific question of Pixie — and tell Julie what you think. It isn't fair to a girl in her teens — nor to yourself — to treat her as if she were still a child. But neither is it right to expect her to conform to adult standards. There must be a middle ground. What should be the quality, the quantity, of your trust in an adolescent daughter? : Radio Mirror will purchase readers' answers to the question : "How Much Trust Should You Place in Your Teen-Age Daughter?" Writer of best answer will be paid $25.00; writers of five next best $5 each. What do you think about this problem? State your answer and reasons in a letter of no more than one hundred words. Address to Hilltop House, c/o Radio Mirror Magazine, 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y. The editors will choose the best letter, basing choice on originality and understanding of the problem, and will purchase it for 125.00, and the five next-best for $5.00 each. No letters will be returned; editors cannot enter into correspondence concerning them. The opinion of the editors will be final. Letters should be postmarked no later than Dec. 1, 1950. This notice should accompany your letter. fue Ume tyaf&wW' adm: How much trust should you Hilltop House is heard Mon.-Fri. at 3:15 P.M., EST, on CBS stations, sponsored by Alka Seltzer. 40