The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1886-12-09
What Shall the Children Read?

This is question that every mother
should decide herself, and judge wheth-
er it is good or bad before the child
reads the first line. Don't say you've
no time-tdkc the time to read large
share of the book. or glance over the
paper. before It is laid on the table for
public use. a quick, intelligent eye,
and q .notRer'S eve. also, will do won
dcrs in turning over of leaves. read
inc here and there few words. seeing
if the language is pure. the style grace
ful, and ihc moral healihful. hiuch OF
harm is done TO the young people by
their reading sensational stories OF the
..blood and thunder style, smuggled IN
and read secretly. or in some cases,
openly, in illustrated wcakiies, have
caused many boys TO rob and fly from
their homes, seeking for worlds to con-
qucr," bringing up in police station
and returned home.
Much of the blame is to be traced to
the mothers - too mach indulgence
from mother has ruined more FAINT
lies than fathers harshncss-bad
books. and bad companions being easy
stepping stoncs TO wiclcdness. A good
mother viii do great deal towards
forming her childran's character. The
first few years they are wholly under
her influence, and she is all TO them;
then the school-life begins, and teach
or and schoolmates broaden the view,
but the mother must not reiinquish her
watchfulness but interest herself in their
studies. plays. companions, and make
herself necessary 10 their happiGess.
Keep hold OF the children, don't let
them grow away from You. A mother
Should never grow old to her sons and
daughters; be one of them and gain
their confidence; be their companion.
even if you lose the acquaintance OF
some of your own age. Better make
good men and women of your children
than be a leader of fashion. But about
the reading, What shall they read?'
If possible, select the books. papers,
etc, yourself. You can easily look over
the book notices in weekly. and this
usually gives tolcrably fair criticism
of scientific works, biographies, histo-
rics, and novels. Boys usually like
tales of adventure, and in a reasonable
amount they should be gratitied, for
| what would 4 man be without bravery
and courage. When my boys were at
the age to be attracted to suck read
inc, the principal of the grammar
school they attended, put list of books
| on the blackboard for the use of pupils
as cared TO profit by it. There was the
War of the Rebellion, Life of Washing
ton, and others fail to remember, but
various kinds, and for light reading,
| one or two of SCOTS and Dickens nov
els. l always felt grateful to him, and
think the plan might be followed by tho
| teachers.
At the public libraries, sometimes IN
attendant will tell of a popular work,
but that is not always safe TO 60 b.. as
not always is 4 popular book good
| one. You must find out about the
books in your own way. but be sure to
| find out in some way. There are many
books and papers iii the world. some
people saw too many. but there's more
good ones than bad ones. and you must
| sift then, ont. Don't trust the innocent
child to do il for himself If home
| life is Whist it should be, bad books and
| bad companions viii not be there. and
mother at home evenings will be friend
and playmate 10 the boys and girls. BY
this i don't mean they are to have no
friends OF mates. but you'll SEQ they
will feel so proud of their mother they'll
bring them 10 see you, ana you will be
able 10 Judge whether they are fit asso-
ciate5 or not. In all this, remember
the mothers have the love OF their chill
| dren, the fathers, the respect, it is said,
| Int LET us hnye both.-lUrS. Frances e.
lfiIter, i.s Good Housekeeping.