Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-08-09
II NPrp.

TEMPER.
On no part ofthc character has educa-
ton more influence, than on the temper: the
due regulation of which is an object OF so
great importance TO the enjoyment OF the
present life, and to the preparation ior q bet.
ter.
An authority such as has been de-
scrihcd, firm, but aifcctionate; decided, yet
mild imposing no unnecessary restraints;
butencouraging every innocent freedom and
qualification, exercised according to the dc
ta:es ofjudgment, md supported by rewards
and punishmcnts judiciously dispensed; is
the best means of securing good temper in
our children; and cvinccs that sclf.sub bjcc-
ton on our part which is essential to its sue
ccsSfui cultivation on theirs. This, at once,
will put all end to those impulses of temper
in ourselvs which are the most fruitful sour
ces of irritation to others for, it is surpri.
sing how quickly our own irri;ability will be
reflected III the little ones around us. Speak
to a child in a frctlul manner. and we shall
generally find that his answer partakcs of
the same character. Wemay reprove; VIC
may punish; VIC may enforce obedience ];
but all will be done with double the effect if
our own temper remain perfectly unruffled !;
for what benefit can reasonably be cxpec-
ted, when we recommend that by our in
functions which wc rcnouncc by our exan,-
pie ?
The variations and Inconsistency to which
characters Of impulse arc also liable, arc
particularly trying 10 children. There are
few tempcrs that can resist the effect Of be-
ing sharply rcprovcd at one time, for what,
at another, is passed over without no.ice Of
being treated one day with excessive indul-
gcncc, and the next day with trctfulness or
severity.
We all have on: veal; and irritable mo-
mcnts; VIC may experience many changes
of temper and feeling; but let Us beware of
betraying such variations in our outward
conduct, if We value the good temper and
respect Of our children; for these we have no
right to expect on their part, without con-
siStency on ours.
If a fault be glaring, it must be seriously
taken up; but in the management of the
temper, especially in carly childhood, much
may be effected by system ofprcventon.
A judicious attendant may avert many arl
impcndig naughty fit, by change Of object,
gentle amusement, and redoubled care to
pat no temptation in the way, if she observe
any of her little ones weary, uncomior. able,
or irritable. This, for Instance, will gen.
orally be the case with children when they
first awake. They should therefore then
be treated with more than common ten.
| derness; never reused from sleep sud.
denly or violently; nor exposed 10 any
little trials, till they have had time thoroughly
to recover themselves. 1t is scarcely ne
ccssary to add how peculiarly this tender
consideration is required. not only in Illness
but under the various triliing indisposi,onS
so FREQUENT in infancy.
Children ought no. TO be, unnecessarily,
thwarted in their objects which, at very ear
ly age, they purusc with cagerncss. Lei
them, if possible, complete their projects
without interruption. A child, for exam.
pie, before he can speak, is trotting after q
ball; the nurse snatches himup atthc moment
to be washed and dressed, and the poor child
throws himsclfinto ntpassion. Where.
as, had she first entered into his views, Kind.
ly assisted him in gaining his object, and
then gently taken him up, this trial would
have been spared and his temper uninjured.
We should avoid keeping children in sus.
pense, which is often done from kind mo.
tive, though with very i'll effect. # u child
asks his nurse fora cake, aud she can give
it him, let her tell him so at once, and as.
sure him that he shall have it, but, should
she be unable to grant his request, or know
it would be improper for him, do not let hcr
hesitate; do not let her say, 81 will think OF