The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1875-03-19
LET TILT nor ALoNE.

LET THAT BOY ALONE.
It is strange that adults SO soon forget
their childhood, and that they so easily
become unreasonable in their demands
upon the young. Are boys often con-
trary and "unlikely 7" Are they averse
to remaining at home during the long
winter eveningsa Are they sometimes
lazy2 Well, that is not very strange,
and it is possible that all of this results
as much from the improper and ln1udi-
ciotis treatment received from those who
should be their friends, as from their
native depravity. When boys are treated
more like human beings, and less like
slaves as we may learn, if we notice
them In some families where the parents
remember their childhood-they are
as ready to work as older people if there
is sufficient inducement, the proper en-
couragement Adults are not easily
driven to labor, and that without some
return, some compensation. When they
are disposed to neglect home it may be
possible that such home is not a home,
not made as pleasant as it should be
made, not made attractive. IL so, the
fault is mutual, but principally that of
the parents. If the older and more ex-
perienced can not make some sacrifices,
exert themselves specially to make home
attractive, so that their children viii pre-
fer it to other places, it is not strange
that the tIloughtless often become way
ward.
But let the boys alone. Or, do not
constantly stand over them as with rod
in hand, ready at any moment, at the
slightest deviation from the strictest pro-
priety, to apply the lash. Boys are not
perfect, nor are their parents. To con-
stantly watch them, badger them at every
turn, censtre them for every accident,
scold them for every thonghtless deed,
never to give credit, never to utter an
encouraging word, will be almost sure TO
spoil those aoorth spelling. OF course
good advice is often necessary, and not
only necessary, but useful, if given as
we would give it to worthy friend and
respected neighbor. But when counsel
is given In a censorious spirit, the tones
MARKED by malicious ring; when the
whole manner indicates anything but
what should animate the parental bosom,
we may not expect the seed to fall ON any
but 'stony ground Let the boys
alone, at least part of the time. Do
not hedge up their way all of the time. Do
not expect them to ,Dork all of the time.
It is not best or right for even adults TO
labor constantly. Boys can not and
should not be required to do so, since
rest and recreation are necessities of their
nature. If you would have them cul-
tivate Judgment for themselves, do not
always attempt to instruct them on
trifing matters Let them learn some
thing by experience, and then it viii be
better appreciated and remembered.
Do not caution them every time they
take lamp, an edged tool, glass vessel,
or any valuables into their hands, if You
would ever have them learn for them
selves. In doing SO you constantly remind
them that they know nothing and have
no care. Let them have little peace
and learn from experience to practice
self-control and self government. Donot
torment, and harass and scold them all of
the time. If you censure them when they
do wrong, remember that it is honest to.
praise them when they do right; the
praise-mark my word-win be the most
powerful for good. Do not follow them
about as if you had no confidence in
them, directing them at every step, nm
less you wish to sour the disposition and
make them hate you. Give them good
advice at the proper time, not too often,
in loving spirit; confde in them, love
them. but do not tyrGanise over them.
Teach them to respect themselves, but
do not all of the time torment and badger
them.