The crying of newborns or even older children has not always been viewed with understanding in Finland.
Arvo Ylppö, professor of paediatrics and arch-doctor, was especially known for his research on premature births. IL ARCHIVE
Children were supposed to be obedient, loyal and honest – and care little about their own needs. This is how they were raised in Finland in the first half of the 20th century.
The message is told Ville Suhonen in the document Children of War and Peacewhich also examines the nationalistic education that was in power in our country. Everything was aimed at military readiness when the time came, and indeed it did after the First World War. In the name of the idea, the children’s own needs and feelings were suppressed, and bursting into tears was not allowed.
Archaologist Arvo Ylppö (1887–1992), who swore in the name of the Enlightenment, advised mothers as early as 1919 A mother caring for her little child – in his book in a way that makes many modern parents cringe. The interval between meals had to be four hours, except at night. He thought it was best to get newborns used to sleeping through the night without food.
– If the little one is left to cry because of hunger while following breastfeeding, he gradually learns to ignore his own needs. It’s useless to appeal to feelings, you can only trust yourself, which increases guts and independence from others, the documentary says.
Nationalistic education aimed to mold children into obedient and military-ready children. Over
Even older children, especially boys, were not allowed to cry.
– Hey, shame! The elderly man cried, with the old archive film it is frowned upon when a child gets hurt while playing in the snow.
In addition to that, in the guidance compiled from archive materials, it is reminded that “More than yourself, love the honor of your home and mother, father. But before these, Finland. And above all, God.” In 1934, pastor, member of parliament Elias Simojoki in turn appealed to parents and educators.
– Give the school children weapons and allow the teaching of their use to be applied to the school program. That is what the youth is asking of you, who must be the first to step forward and shed their blood. The youth, of whom so great will give their lives for you, Simojoki foresees.
The first civilian victim in the winter war was a first-grader who died in the bombing of Helsinki Armi Hillevi Metsäpelto7.
The children had precise role models, which were drummed up in a propagandistic manner. Over
Children of War and Peace today on TV1 at 21:05 & Arena. See all TV programs and broadcast times in Telku’s TV guide.