The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-06-02
cHlLDREN'S TRAINING.
Each Little One Needs Careful and Earn
est Study.

The Uniformed characters of children
are SO different, that in a family of
brothers and sisters no two are alike,
and each little one needs careful and
earnest study. This is the more i'm
portant if we remember what a wise
man once said:-"Give me a child till
1t is six years old, and then it does not
matter who comes after me-" 1t is in
deed fact that the salient points of
the character take root during that ear
ly period of life and little one of six
VINO is hard-hearted, or untruthful, or
spfteful. is exceedingly difficult to re-
form.
wise mother must discriminate Ju-
iiciously between NATURAL Juvenile fail
lngs and real naughtiness. There are
so many acts and words which must
not pass by unchecked, and yet do not
deserve a censure or too much stress
set upon them, and other offences
which must never be overlooked.
All healthy, strong, vivacious chill
iren are restless, wilful, and mis-
;hievous in a greater or less degree.
The boy Of three years old, full of
spirits, and the joie de vivre, often
pitches his toys about in a reckless
fashion very unsafe for the other deni-
iens OF the nursery. This, of course,
must be stopped. At the same time,
there is no naughtiness in the motive,
and it need not call forth a punish
ment, unless the youngster has re-
oeated the misdemeanor Immediately
after being cautioned.
Very imaginative children, on the
other hand, will circumstantially mar
ate incidents which they declare they
nave seen, or as having happened to
themselves, and 1t is not easy to make
hem grasp the fact that this is a
'alsehood. The best way is to take
or granted that it is a fiction, and
'ay, Yes, dear, that is nice little
story you have made up. Now, shall
mother read one, or can you make her
Ip another?" In this way the child
'ealizes that one may relate things not
rue. If they are honestly labelled as
such.
Always avoid arousing the violence
of really passionate child. Remem-
Der that nine times out of ten it Is the
disposition of you, your husband. or
some relative that has descended upon
he little one, who is really more to be
pitied than blamed. After a certain
age one can reason with a child in its
quiet moments, and explain the danger
and pain of these headstrong out
bursts, and assist it to learn the hard
lesson of self-control; but a tiny mite
Is too young for this, and, II possible,
without giving way weakly, by lit
lie tact and diverting the child's nina,
he exhausting torrent of passion
should be averted.
When very juvenile youngsters hold
heir breath in that alarming fashion
In the middle Of cry, the quickest
way to bring them round IS to rub a
wet sponge or flannel on the face; the
unexpected shock speedily produces the
ieslred effect. At the same time, this
holding of the breath is hardly ever
attended with danger, though 1t ap-
oears most appalling to anyone unac-
,ustomed to children.
The great secret Of management lies,
however, after all, in discipline. Have
is few rules and regulations as you
possibly can, but have those kept to
he letter. Don't excuse any deviation
.herefrom, but insist with quiet firm
less on their fulfilment. The child dis
.iplined to implicit obedience has
earnt the hardest and most important
esson of all.