The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-07-12
From the Mothers Book.
MANAGEMENT DURING THE TEENS.

BY MRS. CHILD.
The period from twelve to sixteen years Of age
is extremely critical in formation of character,
particularly with regard TO daughters. The i'm
agnalion is then all alive, aud the affections are
in full vigor, while the Judgment is nnsirengih-
ened by observation, and enthusiasm has never
learned moderation Of experience. During this
important period, mother cannot be too watch
full. As much as possible, she should keep
daughter under her ocn eye and, above all
things, she should encourage entire confidence
fo,cards herself This can be done by ready
sympathy with youthful feelings. and by avoid
ing all unnecessary restraint and harShness. he
lieve it is extremely natural to choose mother in
preference all other friends and confidants but
if daughter, by harshness, indifference. or I'M
Willingness TO make allowance for Youthful feel
ing, is driven from the holy resting place, which
nature has provided for her security, the greatest
danger is to be apprehended. Nevertheless,
would not have mothers too indugent. for fear of
weaving the affection of children. This is not
the way to gain the perfect love Of young people;
a judicious parent is always beloved. and more
respected, than foolishy indugent one. The
real secret is, for mother never to sanction the
slightest error, or imprudence, but at the same
time to keep her heart warm and fresh, ready to
sympathize with all the innocent gaiety and en-.
thusiasm of youth. Salutary restraint, but no
unnecessary restraint, is desirable.
peculiarly important at the age have mentioned
and trust the hints may suggest will prove ac-
ceptable to judiciOus parents. Heedlessness is so
commonly the fault of the teens, that shall first
mention the great importance Of habits OF order
and neatness. The drawers, trunks and work
box of young lady should be occasionally inspect
ed, for the wastefulness, or sluttshness. Partcu-
lar care should be taken of The teeth they should
be washed with clean brush and water at least
twice day to cleanse them inst before retiring
to rest promotes sweetness ofbreath, and tends to
preserve them from decay Buttons off, muslins
wrinkled, the petticoat below the edge of the
gown, shoe strings broken, and hair loose and
struggling, should never pass unnoticed Serious
advice from father these subjects does more
good than anything else Smooth, we'll arranged
hair, and feet perfectly neat, give genteel, tase
full appearance TO the whole person.
dress distinguished for simplicity and fresh
ness is abundantlty more lady-like than the i'll
placed furbelows of fashion. II is very common
TO see vulgar, empty minded people perpetualy
changing their dresses, without ever acquiring the
air of a gentlewoman. Ifthere is simplicity in the
choice Of colors,-f clothes fit we'll, and are pro-
perly pinned tied, and arranged IF they always
have neat, fresh look and above all, if the
head and the feet are always in order, nothing
more is required for perfectly lady-ke appear
ance.
Nothing tends to produce a love of order so
much as the very early habits of observation. and
attention to trifles, which have so particularly
urged in various parts of this book. | would
teach daughter, 10 observe such trifling things
as the best manner of opening new piece of tape:
and would take every precantion to conquer the
spirit that leads young people to say 81 don't
care" " No matter how it is done, SIC.