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BOY WANTED
(This "want ad" dates from the early part of the 20th
century. If you read it, you might chuckle and consider it “quaint”
because of some of its language. Nevertheless, I think you’ll
agree, it contains some perennial wisdom. I suggest that parents
read it out loud to their sons and then put it up on the refrigerator
or whatever you use for a family bulletin board.)
WANTED: A boy that stands straight, sits straight, acts
straight, and talks straight. A boy whose fingernails are not
in mourning, whose ears are clean, whose shoes are polished,
whose clothes are brushed, whose hair is combed, and whose teeth
are well cared for.
A boy who listens carefully when he is spoken to, who asks questions
when he does not understand, and does not ask questions about
things that are none of his business.
A boy that moves quickly and makes as little noise about it as
possible.
A boy who whistles in the street, but does not whistle where
he ought to keep still.
A boy who looks cheerful, has a ready smile for everybody, and
never sulks.
A boy who is polite to every man and respectful to every woman
and girl.
A boy who does not smoke cigarettes and has no desire to learn
how.
A boy who is more eager to know how to speak good English than
to talk slang.
A boy that never bullies other boys nor allows other boys to
bully him.
A boy who, when he does not know a thing says, "I don’t
know," and when has made a mistake says "I’m sorry,"
and when he is asked to do a thing says "I’ll try".
A boy who looks you right in the eye and tells the truth every
time.
A boy who is eager to read good books.
A boy who would rather put in his spare time at the gymnasium
than to gamble for pennies in a back room.
A boy who does not want to be "smart" nor in any wise
attract attention.
A boy who would rather lose his job or be expelled from school
than to tell a lie or be a cad.
A boy whom other boys like.
A boy who is at ease in the company of girls.
A boy who is not sorry for himself, and not forever thinking
and talking about himself.
A boy who is friendly with his mother, and more intimate with
her than anyone else.
A boy who makes you feel good when he is around.
A boy who is not a goody-goody, a prig, or a little pharisee,
but just healthy, happy, and full of life.
This boy is wanted everywhere. The family wants him. The school
wants him. The office wants him. The boys want him. The girls
want him. All creation wants him.
Source unknown
Quoted in The Children's Book of Virtues
by William J. Bennett |
Saturday, 12
June
GIRARDVILLE CRIME WATCH KIDS’
NIGHT