Word: kenward
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...this opera, commissioned by the Ford Foundation, Librettist Kenward Elmslie has taken dramatic liberty with both fact and legend. Lizzie (Soprano Brenda Lewis), actually the younger Borden daughter, has become the older one, obsessed by fears of approaching spinsterhood, painfully exposed in a scene in which she tries on her sister's wedding dress. A domineering, miserly father and a self-centered, vindictive stepmother create a stifling, explosive atmosphere in which Lizzie's chilling actions become more plausible...
House Divided. What is necessary and reasonable? In deciding this, said Dr. Kenward, parents must use their own "good sense and courage." Society has vague and contradictory standards, and other factors work to undermine the parents' convictions and decisions. Furthermore, indecision wrecks discipline: "The child has an amazing ability to know when the parents are unsure. But parents often have a conflict between themselves. Little success can be expected unless mother and father agree on rules and present a united front...
Even the vexed and vexing period of adolescence is no exception. "Although the adolescent may rebel," Dr. Kenward said, "he feels much happier and more secure if someone helps to restrain his behavior. It can be comparatively painless if he has grown up with basic trust and a respect for wise authority...
...avoid prohibition and punishment whenever possible, Dr. Kenward suggested offering a substitute for hostile and aggressive behavior: a boy can work out on a punching bag instead of hitting baby brother. But when devices such as this are not practicable, parents should not hesitate to use the word "No," and use physical means to enforce it if necessary. "Unequivocal firmness leads to far less trouble than hedging. Giving in to a child's tantrums or unreasonable whims leads only to more difficulty. On the other hand, some parents are fearful of the child and fear they will lose...
Without Guilt. When punishment is necessary to enforce an order, the most desirable kind, said Dr. Kenward, is to turn the misbehavior itself into a weapon. A girl who likes neat clothes but refuses to hang them up will eventually get tired of wearing wrinkled dresses. If a child steals, he must make restitution. Next obvious stage in punishment is depriving the child of privileges...