The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-08-07
PARENTAL DISCIPLINE.
BY ADA e. HAZELL.
~AC-A AZ ii<hEEh
From Ladies' Home Journal.

by ADA Es HAZELD.
From Ladies' Home Journal
If asked to namo the weakest SPOT in paren-
tai discp Inc the falling common to even the most
Judlclous, as the candid among you will readily adj
nit, 1t would be too much moral suasion
Since this has its origin in an earnest eneayor to
be patient with the beloved children, even at the
expense of personal comfort and convenience it is
praise-worthy weakness, although deplorable
Johnnie, ifyou don't mind I'll certainly punish
you!" might be q valuable hint if the boy had not
learned from experience that the threatened pun
ishment was extremely uncertain; at least that 1t
would not be given until your patience was worn
quite thread bare
Forbearance should have reached its limit ere the
headstrong obstnacy of the child has so wrought
upon the aching nerves of the too often delicate or
oyerworked mother, that her heartstrines seem
ready to snap meath the tension.
What is it that makes the infants face the most
beautiful object in the whole world? Is it not the
responsive smile. the bright glance the sweetness
and love which illumne every feature? The baby's
cry is indicative of pain discomfort, not of i'll
temper. True, by neglecting to attend to its simple
wants in season, you may inculcate fretfulness
while, on the contrary, by carefully regulating its
habits you may avoid disturbance, and the comfort
gained will repay your effort.
With the first-born, under proper management
years may elapse before it exhibits actural temper
But if there are other children in the family, how
readily the little one learns to copy their faults
What mothers heart has not been unu.terably
saddened by the first deliberate attempt of small
boy to "shoW Quito act as he has seen an elder
brotherin fit of passion! Well for parent and child
tooif the mother possesses the mness necessary to
check such ebullitlons in the beginning. Unfor-
tunately, she is moro apt to temporize, to remon-
strate, in other words, as affirmed before to make
too much talk on the subject. A child old enough
to be Intentionally naughty, appreciates his own
action, and simple punishment, promptly given
will bemore effective in preventing recurrence of
the misdeed than any amount of argument or per
suasion.
True, sensitive child may be appealed 10 with
good results, once in while. l question whether
it is well to work the susceptible nerves of child
hood to any very great extent. Moreover, such ap-
peals soon become an old story and their effects
perceptiby weakened The child does dot really
listen, he submits to them with sold indifference
1t is like talking to the wind.
In fact, if we would, we might learn this lesson
from ourselves. Do we thankfully accept, and
promptly act upon, friends advice, however good
or 90 we mentally shrug our shoulders and con-
tinue in our course? Even when we have sought
counsel and believe that we really desire il do we
follow it. unless it comedies with our own previous
Informed opinions?
In dealing with children, it is well to remember
that much socalled naughtness is pure mischief to
be treated lenenuy hut the cross look the bang of
reply these are the lashes which cut the sensitive
mother-heart yearning over her dear ones future
She well appreciates that the foundation of his
character is being laid now and that she is largely
responsible for the manner in which the building is
going forward.
Speaking of punishment, would not be under
stood as necessarily meaning what Margaret Arnold
has aptly termed "sap suasion." The ready blow
brutalizes parent and child alike
TIE inventive parent win have many resources at
command word of caution TO young mothers do
not work upon your childs fears. Simply separat-
ing the offender from the group at play although it
may only be to require him to sit quietly by himself
in another part of the room, often works bet
ter than harder measures. Human nature demands
oompanionship. It will not be long before he is
ready to play gently, if permitted to try again.
Whatever yon do let your child feel that it is done
in love, and for his, not your, good. Win he SO
feel if you punish him in anger?
Oh, dear parents, would you fulfil your sacred
duty towards these precious souls entrusted to your
training, would you attain the best results possible
practice self restraint INCREASINGLY Can you indulge
in the hasty word and then expect that your chill
dren will not? Can you fret, and then be vexed
with them for crying at trihing disappointments?
Can you blame them for the environment Of here
dity, or viii you by your example strive to teach
them to control the evil in their nature and foster
the good!
You must be patient be tender above ALL be
just therefore you must strive without ceasing, and
IN c0nquering self you viii also ennobe your of.
spring, aud help them to build up a Character OF
which you may well be proud
Finally send the darlings to bed happy. Let all
differences be made up ere the close OF day that
each tomorrow may be indeed new leaf turned.