The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1885-11-28
PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

Some Practical Suggestions by a Mother
Children should be taught that you are
their counselor, and you should neve,
make light of or repeat the childish
confidence reposed in your keeping. A
laugh at their expense not only morti
nes them, but it causes them to mis-
trust you, and doubt your promises OF
secrecy and the sincerity of your
friendship. Mothers especially should
lay aside many of the old-fogyish no
tons and "grandma's little white lies, y
and instruct the young mind according
to Its lnquisitlveness and its power to
comprehend. We have elementary les
sons for our children in everything ex-
cept that which is absolutely indispen-
sable, but, owing to the extreme deli
cacy, false modesty, OF foolishness of
many mothers, the children are kept in
(supposedl ignorance, and the young
mind IS allowed to grasp the most i'm
portant studies of life in graduating
courses. Children learn many things
which 1t would be better for us to ex-
plain, and which we could easily do in
a manner which would settle all doubts
and curiosity in their mind, and still
not make them too wise for their wears.
Never allow them to doubt our truth
funess OF sincerity, and never dismiss
chlld's inquiry with the remark that
little children should not ask oues-
tlons." Little children have right to
inquire, and it is our duty to reply in a
manner which will salts fy their curios-
lty and yet give them no reason to
doubt our word, as many of our harm
less ? tales to children have done.
What answer could excite a child's
curiosity more than to tell them it was
something they should not know? Do
not excite their curiosity still more and
cause them to seek the desired informa-
tlon at other sources, but tell them
when they arrive at the proper age to
thoroughly understand the question YOU
will explain it to them, and by intro
ducing some little story the mind can
be drawn from the subject and will be
at rest. believing that at the proper
time they will have your full conf
dence, but do not, if you value the hap
piness of your child, withhold an ex-
planation which it will eventually sue
ceed in gaining elsewhere. Always full
ill your promises to your children, no
matter what it may cost you. They are
like mirror, and if you would have
them prompt and reliable you must set
them the example by your dealings with
them. Teach them strict obedience at
home, and you never will be mortified
almost to death by those children"
when you are away from home. It is
much easier to teach them "good man
ners" at home and it saves great an
noyance from the people who visit. Do
not say my children shall not" do this
nor that. They may inherit deter
mlnatlon to do just what you are so
positive they shall not, and it is only
question of time as to which shall win.
Children, like colts, can be managed
best by kindness, although frmness is
as necessary with the former as the bit
and bride with the latter. Do not
punish a child unless it is absolutely
necessary, and then many times the
denial of some desire, a close con-
tinement to some particular location.
is far more to be dreaded by
the child, and, as consequence, is a
greater punishment than whipping;
but, whatever you do. let nothing inter-
fere with your purpose, and teach the
child that your promises are always
faithfully kept. BE sure you are
right" and when you are, allow no COM
promise except complete subjection.
When this is accomplished and the
firmness of your determination is es-
tablIshed in the child's mind, then de-
vote n little time to kindness, and fyou
understand the matter it will not be
long before that child will believe you
are deserving the greater part of the
pity, and before the interview is over a
little pair of arms will betwined around
mammals neck solemn promise to
never, never do SO again. will be
whispered in her ear. In this case the
lesson has been learned and a complete
victory gained which will benefit not
only the victor but the vanquished; but
to allow them to ''pout it out is to ac-
complish more harm than the correc-
ton could do good, for it makes them
willful and stubborn and allows them
to ponder over thoughts OF terrible
things they would do if they only
dared and determine to do when [
get as big as my pa" And please, oh,
please, don't scoll. Nothing runs Il
chil1's disposition sooner or sHrcr than
scot, ii flt ting ovcr
it luults. The Il forms an errone-
ons idca OF home, and every finer fac
ulty is blunted by that constant mur-
mur of dlSSatiSfac ction, jllSt as ones ears