Home Occupations for Boys and Girls

"Home Occupations for Boys and Girls" by Bertha Johnston is a helpful manual from the early 1900s, providing parents, especially mothers, with creative ideas to keep their children engaged using common household items. It focuses on unique activities that spark creativity and problem-solving skills in kids by using materials easily found at home. The book covers a wide range of projects, from making toys and decorations to exploring nature and everyday objects, all meant to encourage children to find happiness in creativity and learning. It starts by acknowledging common problems parents face, such as children getting bored easily and the need for meaningful activities. Johnston highlights how important it is to support a child's ability to invent and suggests different do-it-yourself projects using scraps, household items, and natural materials. For example, turning old strawberry boxes into toy fences or making seed markers shows how to use ordinary things for children’s play and learning. Overall, the book tells of a belief in growing imagination and teaching skills like observation, resourcefulness, and an enjoyment for beauty through creative projects.