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Krauters- page 2

In the Krauter family the major decisions, at least, are made cooperatively
between Herr and Frau Krauter. She apparently handles the money as part of
her housekeeping and cooking responsibility. But he may either give her
a specified amount each week, or may even receive an allowance from her.
I am only sure that she has money on hand for groceries and also more for
undetermined uses (she gave some money to an aunt who stopped by after a
discussion in Schwabiseh). Large projects such as the remodeling of the
dining-sitting room are decided jointly. When Herr Krauter arrives home
in the evening, his wife passes on the news of the day. "Fritz has worn
through another pair of pants at the knees"; "the wallpapering man will be
here Monday;" the cabinet price estimate is $160.00", and we must see him
tomorrow to discuss it." they discuss briefly such news and defer further
details until later. From this series of observations, I would conclude
that they try to decide major matters togethr and apparently without
consulting the children.

A second incident that illustrates Frau Krauters tendency to common council
in family policy: She considers her frequent reception of several Stanford
students as guests in the house as a problem. Because some of them drink
too much wine and she thinks this is an undesirable experience for the
children. She is trying to work out a solution which balances her desire
to welcome all students alike, and her feeling of responsibility as a
mother. Apparenyl [Apparently] she has discussed this with Herr Krauter and finds him
less concerned with the problem. Her response to this impasse is continued
worry and the observation "I can't do it alone".

I have observed only one specific area of conflict between Herr and Frau
Krauter. She objects to his drinking as much wine as he does and frequently
complains of it. He, in turn, makes mention of this objection to others.
This matter is treated lightly, jokingly, by them both, particularly Herr
Krauter, though it seems to be a legitimate issue. Perhaps this acts for
them as an escape valve for as often it is brought up in public, it cannot
be very disturbing.

One of the most important roles which Frau Krauter sees for herself is that
of mother and counselor for her children. Most of her attention is directed
toward Fritz. Dorothy is apparently not considered a problem any more and
few parental criticisms are directed to her. She has one more year of mitte-
elschule (grammar school, 9 grades from age 6.) During which she will learn
among other things the basic techniques of cooking and housekeeping. Frau
Krauter has made no great effort to teach Dorothy to cook or bake and ap-
parently both consider this the place of the school. Dorothy does help with
keeping the house clean, decorating cakes, going to the store for groceries,
and serving guests but otherwise, she has no noticeable duties to the
family. She is reserved and quiet, seemingly a conscientious student. Her
relation to her parents is passive submissive; that is, her training is
seemingly completed- she doesn't have to be scolded and she doesn't seem
to attempt to declare any personal independence, as is so often said of
the American teenager.

Fritz, on the other hand, is considered more of a problem, at least by
his mother and this is not seen as a typical case of bringing up children
nor merely as one of the boy conforming adequately to expected standards
of obedience and behavior. Instead Frau Krauter sees the problem in terms