Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1886-09-27
gadies' GolQmn.
CHILDREN'S MANNERS.


manners of their children, because
not only their future well-being, but
also the happiness and comfort of
the family, largely depends upon the
behavior of its young members. 1t
is then impossible to begin too early
to instruct children in the observance
of the amenities of life, and to act
with the proper regard for the rights
and feelings of others; and those
thus bred in the refined influence of
a well-ordered home possess an adj
vantage which will be of incalcuable
benefit to them through life. Some
one has wisely said: 1.-THE teach
ings of childhood are the corner
stones on which to build the founda-
tons of character. If these are laid
in wisdom and faithfulness, we may
look to see the superstructure round
ed and beautifed by the lesson of
life's experience"
The training of children in good
manners must be founded on respect
and obedience; but authority should
be enforced by parents without de-
stroying the self-respect of the child.
Every boy and girl has an innate
sense of what is just, and cannot
listen to unkind words without being
first wounded and then hardened.
Nothing has so much power with
children as love. Be kind and gen
tie with them let them know how
dear they are, and it will be an easy
task to control them. They should
always be governed mildly, yet firm
ly, thus retaining their respect and
love; and even very young children
will learn to dread their parents dis
pleasure through the fear Of losing
their affection.
To speak the truth, to respect age,
to protect the weak, to be unselfish
and forbearing with others, to be
ashamed of nothing except wrong
dong, are the first lessons children
should be taught, and it will then be
easy TO train them in good manners.
1t is not enough to teach simply /;
there must be the example of the
daily life to enforce the lessons, and
surely no motive can make so forci-
BILE an appeal to the parents heart
in favor of self-discipline as the de-
sire for the welfare of their children.
There is no soul so full of the graces
of youth as the mother spirit that
has gone through long and useful
life wrapped in the love of children.
1t is best, in rearing large family
of children, to give them as much
liberty as is consistent with good
management, and to make as few
rules of obedience as possible, and
then to enforce those given to the
very letter.
Reproofs should never be admins
tered in the presence of others, par
ticularly to proud, sensitive children,
as they do more harm than good by
causing unnecessary humiliation. The
child who is thus respected by its
mother or father, is very apt to pre-.
serve Its self-respect through life
and avoid dong aught that would
incur censure.
In training children in good man
ners, mothers often mistake an over
flow of spirits, natural playfulnes:
of healthy childhood, for rudeness
and in subduing and correcting thes'
seeming faults, rob the little ones o.
wholesome exercise and large share
of the sunshine of their lives. Their
is a time for playing, and even nois.
outdoor sports, that develop tn
young muscles and strengthen tn
fast-growing bodies, and children
should not be deprived of this priv
lege of their childhood. The essen
tial things to be taught them in pla
is to respect each others rights, t
protect the weak, and to be fair eve
in their sports. Moral courage shoul
be cultivated in children by teachin
them always to say boldly and to d
bravely what they believe is true an
tight, regardless of consequences
''There is something helpful an
womanly in the heart of every girl,
and these qualities should be deve
oped. The sympathies of childre
are quickly aroused and can be RICH
Iy directed to their great benefit.
Pets are great source of pleasul
to children, and the possession {
them awakens and increases the chi'
alrous spirit which enlarges the hea
and ennobles the character. I'll
care of dog, a lamb or goat trail
boy in all that is manly; while Il
pet kitten or bird gives little girl
sense of responsibility and teach
her kindness to the helpless.
Nothing is more demoralizing tn;
quarrelling, and children should ne
er be permitted to dispute amor
themselves but if they are ear
taught forbearance and unselishne
in their companionship with ca
other, this breach of good manne
will never be the occasion of pa
to the parents. Manners acquir
in childhood are usually Ietaine
becoming as they do, part of t
character, not to be put aside at wi
Some parents fancy that it is
duty of teachers to improve and fol-
the manners of their children, a