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tions. There is every indication that the suggestion will
be enthusiastically received and its practical application
will be controlled only by the amount of expert help
available.
The topics discussed at the six meetings of the group
were as follows: -
1. The child's discovery of sex. This was introduced
by the film 'Larry' (distributed by the British Film
Institute) which illustrates simply and sympathetically
the relationship between a young boy and his mother. This
started a discussion on the need for sexual instruction to
young children and the parents' attitude to sexual manifestations
in their children. There was also a brief discussion
on the psychology of sex in children.
2. Development of personality. A flannelgraph was used
to illustrate some of the basic concepts of human psychology.
Discussion centred on the interaction of personalities
within the family and how parents could help their children
to develop mentally and psychologically. The conflict of
personalities within families and how this had been dealt
with was described by various members of the group.
3. Fostering independence. The Central Council for
Health Education s film Hie Way to Independence' was shown
to stimulate discussion. Again, many members gave examples
of difficulties that had been experienced when adolescent
children insisted on gaining independence of their parents
Al though in most cases this had produced no major problems
friction had been experienced over small details such as
the wearing of lipstick by young girls, boy and girl friends
who were not approved by the parents, and the time at which
young people returned home at night. Role-playing, which
was introduced at the first meeting, was now engaged in
freely and proved to be a valuable means of gaining insight
into motives and behaviour.
4. Preparation for marriage. A sound filmstrip 'For
For Worse ', produced by the Central Council for
Health Education, provoked a lively discussion on the amount
of preparation for marriage needed by young people. At
first, this was thought to consist of training in cooking,
house-management and budgeting, but subsequently there was
some consideration of personality problems and conflicts
between married couples and how these could be resolved.
5. Ihe family and the community. This was to have been
the last meeting of the series and discussion centred on
the relationship between families and the community in
which they lived. Happy, adjusted families were the backbone