PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT 137 



wrong is stronger than it was formerly, but yet 

 does not often prove a determinative power of 

 decision. He still leans on the moral conscious- 

 ness of others. This fact aids rather than hinders 

 in rendering obedience to others. 



The social instinct is now greatly strength- 

 ened. Its direction raises one of the most difficult 

 problems yet encountered. He is still appreci- 

 ative of companionship in general; but compan- 

 ionship of the same sex and age becomes impera- 

 tive. The "gang" spirit now arises with all its 

 indifference to every other question except com- 

 panionship. This is a law of nature unrepealable ; 

 how shall it be dealt with? We assume that every 

 natural law may be used in the higher develop- 

 ment of the child. Some parents respond to this 

 demand with no thought of directing it to the 

 higher nature, and let the impulse have its wild 

 way. The boy at least is turned loose to find his 

 own * * gang, ' ' and the problem of character is sur- 

 rendered. The unresisting response to this wild 

 demand is no more rational than it would have 

 been to give way before the wild striving of any 

 other natural impulse. The impulse means com- 

 panionship. The problem is to provide such as 

 will be helpful and not ruinous. Parents them- 

 selves may unbend and become children with their 

 children, supplying at once the yearning of the 

 child and gaining a stronger hold upon them. It 

 is also the opportunity of re-enforcing the re- 

 sources of the home from the best of the outside 



