Do not look over another's shoulder, when they are reading, nor read their letters, even if they are left carelessly lying around. You have no right to pry into the business of any one. Many children form habits which are not nice, such as spitting on the floor, scratching the head, stretching themselves out upon a chair, yawning, etc. All such habits are exceedingly low-bred, and are avoided by the child who aims to acquire good manners. Every child should receive some training which will fit it for some useful occupation in life.
Riches are transitory, and laziness is the parent of many sins.
If you are never compelled to earn your own living, such training will discipline and develop a self-reliance and energy. They can be found in the field and factory and office of to-day, gaining that patience and toughness of mental and physical fiber which does noble deeds and conquers success. Labor is not only a duty, it is a necessity of our nature, and in the end it ministers to our spiritual growth. Let no parent, then, encourage a child to look forward to a life of idleness. Life is a school, and he who lives an idle life misses its most valuable lesson.