St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1869-06-25
VOLUME 2--NUMBER I665

how we felt when we We're young. we
shall no longer be fitted to guide one of
these little ones. Many fathers and
mothers might be far happier if they
would only remember this. \ grown
up person can never be too simple--too
childlike, i'll his or her manner when
with children. Never grow too far from
them, BE to them elder brothers and
sisters rather than rabbe or queens. Let
them see that their little wants are uu-
derstood. Trifies make up life, and halt
the sorrow of earth comes from not be-
ING understood. Little attentions are
dearcr to the heart than grcat and costly
presents. Join in your chidrons games
listen to their thoughts and encourage
their expression. Never laugh at
child for telling its simple childlike
thoughts. Nothing checks openness 50
much as ridicule. A child would much
rather be taken alone and scOlded hearth
Iy, or punished severely than be ridicul-
ed before company. Nothing Is 80 NOR
tifying-so apt to engender bitterness
and hate as this, and parents and elder
brothers and sisters should avoid it by
all means.
Invent every possible amusement to
keep your boys happy at home evenings.
Never mind if they do make noise
around you with their whistling and
hurrahlng We would stand agllaSt ii
we could have q vision of the young men
gone to utter destruction for the very
reason that, having cold, disa"rceable,
dull, stiff liresidcs at home, they sought
amusement elsewhere The influence of
a loving mother or sister is incalculabIc.
Like the circle formed by casting stone
into the water, it goes on and on through
Il mans whole life. Circumstances and
worldly pleasures may weaken the re-
membrance for time, but each touch
upon the chord OF memory will awaken
the old-timc music, and ler face, her
voice, and her loving words will come
up before him ike q revelation. The IN
t1uence will last while life continues
and who shall say it Is foolish or vain
Give them your loye-your tull, ahuu-
dant, and overhowing love, and il viii
brin" YOU rich reward.
The time will come before you think,
when You would give the world to have
your house tumblcd by The dear hands of
those very boys when your heart shall
long for their noisy steps IN the hall, and
their ruddy cheeks laid up to yours
when you would rather have their Jolly
whistle than the music OF Strackosh or
the songs OF Jenny Lind when you
would gladly have dirty carpets, ay, live
without carpets at ali, but to have their
bright, strong forms beside you once
more. Then play with and pet them.
Praise Johnuy's drawing, Betty's music,
AMI Daby's first attempt at writing his
name. Encourage Tom TO chop Oft his
stick OF wood, and Dick to persevere III
making his hen-coop. Ii one shows Il
talent for tigures, tell him lie Is to be
/ your famous mathematician. and il anotll-
er loves geography, tell him he will be
sure to make Il great traveller or II for
/ ei.n minister. Go with them to see
their young rabbits. and chickens, and
pigeon>-and down to the creek-tail to
see their flutter-miil III full operation.
Have them gather your mCsses, and
, grasses, and bright autumn leaves to dec
crate their rooms when the snow Is over
all the earth. And you Will keep yo.u.-
>et' young and fresh by entering into heu'
joys. The happiest and the best OF men
and women are those who have the most
OF the boy and girl nature. While YOU
keep this YOU will never grow moroSc
and sulIen you will never grow cold
and hard; yor will never grow too
grand and dignitieI. or too tar off from
your children to understand them, and
10 be understood by them. In the lovely
character of Edna, in Miss MuIock's
''Woman's kingdom,' there is bright
picture of this perfect sympathy between
a mother and her boys. They knew she
loved them too well to deny anything that
was for their good, and submitting quiet
ly to her decision against their day Of
sport, grew even joyful when she offered
10 give her whole afternoon to them
and each brain was instantly puzzIing
Itself with the great question, What
will please mother best :!
Then keep near 10 your children. Let
the tcndrils of your heart twine about
them, and in age their deep love will be
your comfort and support. - Go,icy's
Lactys Book.