The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1888-01-14
Government OF Children.

There has been so much said, both wise
ly and unwisely, in regard to the govern
ment and training of children, that ii leads
one to wonder why this advice is not pro-
ductive of more good. 1t is a sad and mel
ancholy fact that the harmony OF many
far too many-homes is spoiled by con-
tentions and arguments arising from the
method OF governing children. | cannot
help but feel that the old fashioned I'M
written law-where children were taught
obedience, and were taught it arbitrarily, if
you willis law not to be despised, or
lightly oyerthrown. There are undoubt-
edly many parents who are unfit to govern
or control their children, bat We will as
sumo there are few parents whose natural
affection for their offspring will not keep
them from using their authority to the det-
riment of the child. We should bear i'll
mind. say We advisedly, as ] am parent
that We are educating children to be men
and women, to exercise judgment, to take
their place III the business of life as re-
sponsible beings; hence, while we should
expect respectful obedience from them it
should be considered time not lost to ex-
plain to them why it is best that they
should do things in certain way.
Teach them, as far as it is pos
sible by example. Let them find
You consistent, truthful, responsible as to
your promises. and, very important item,
punctua.ity. Let them understand early
IL life the natural consequences which can
not be escaped and follow directly the
wrong doing. These things should not
be stated excitedly. or in an Il told YOU
so" manner, but quietly, consistently. aud
perhaps sorowfully. BE sympathetic with
your child. and let the obedience which
you exact be born of love for Won, and not
g., ,,f, l.
and your superior physical strength gives
YOU power to infict. What | mean to en-
phasiZe is-not let the punishment come
direct from the parent, but be a natural
consequence, as far as IT is possible. Let
not the bitter experiences come too late i'm
life to be of any material benefit. There
are few things child cannot understand
in regard to his own conduct if the parent
will take the trouble to explain; and child's
! love and respect cannot fail to he increased
instead of the reverse, if the parent shows
! him why it is best for his wishes to be
thwafted In the present-that the returns
of good III the future will be greater
and wise parent will let him experience
some pain through bis persistency IN wrong
doing. He Will then see that he was told
to stop for his own good. and not because
his pan, Mt desired To command We
should not expect too much from the little
active bodies and eager minds of our
children-and while much is being done to
harrass and worry an over tired and anX-
ious mother, let rs not see it all or ak
too much and be sparing of our com
maHds. \ child viii cease to respect the
words Of a parent if he hears n constant
repetition. and we must not forget that the
more often child errs through thought
lessness rather than willfulness, make
him feel that Won are grieved aud SORROW
full rather than angry, and above all, keep
( away from your child, if you cannot con-
troll your personal resentment. Benj
trankius advice If very angry, count
one hundred before YOU speaks an ex-
cellent rule for parents. | feel like max
ing a direct appeal to mothers, as our
average American business mau has little
time To govern his children. and to the
wise aud LOVING mother we look to The
future of our country for is ii not IN
her power 10 direct the moral and respon-
sible nature of the coming man and
WON IA Teach the little one not to fear
j. fathers displeasure, hut rather to feaI
4iieye him. We are all, old and young
alike. so amenabIe to love and kindness
that we can seldom fail to tott b the heart,
If we wait until the anger has gone IN both
ourselves and the soul we ale seeking 10
develop. FLORENCE CARTER.