Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-11-22
HONE EDUCATION FOR olRls.

HOME EDUCATION FOR GIRLS.
For weeks past parents have bcen de-
voting time and thought 70 the cduca-
tlonal advantages they wish 70 give their
children.
In the case Of the boys, the school
once carefully chosen 10 adhered 70 until
the college days arrive, but with Klris
there seems no hxed point In the choice.
For them schools are changed for
every within Of the child or for every
passlnG influence which affects the moth.
er's view % to the most necessary part
Of her daughters education. This side
Of the question b, however, only to b
lightly alluded to.
Every mother and every teacher knows
that the school, important - lie work Il,
IL q mere factor In real education, and
that II leaves untouched much that must
be done by the home and by society. IL
is this part Of the work which must de-
volve upon the mother, and its responsi-
bilities occupy her thoughts Ut all times
and al seasons.
To formulate any theory - to how .
girl shall be prepared for life 10 nearly
as difficult a. to invent means OF per-
petual motion, or to solve any OF the
scientific problems In which natural
forces beyond our control have to be
taken into account.
Children are made individual and CON-
pick by the influences OF climate, en-
sironment, different talent and mental
capacity, to say nothing OF the confusion
which heredity brings, and all serve to
defeat or help the best efforts OF those
who have them to train.
No system answers surely for two
families, and even In set OF brothers
and sisters there are startling differences
and diversities, which require individual
treatment.
Conscientious women, a. mothers
teachers, writer's and workers In institu-
tions. have for generations speculated
over this problem, and their anxious
minds have reached no very definite
conclusions.
Il still seems TO be the consensus OF
opinion among the most thoughtful that
n girl can have no better moral educa-
ton OF social training than that which
her own mother should give In daily
example.
II she daily and hourly practices be-
fore her child truth, sincerity, patience,
genileness aud justice, and shows large
charity for those who fail In these vir-
tues. the girls whole life viii bear the
impress, and the effect Is Tar deeper than
could be produced by any dogma given
In lectures and formulas.
Added 10 this perfect self control OF
the mother must be q sympathy which
notices the little fancies of young chill
drep, the fsds and enthusiasts OF the
growing girls; which treats them re-
spectfully and allows them much liberty.
With this example and this sympa-
thetic interest there IL little fear OFFS girls
future. She may never develop into a
social star, nor be public success, but
she can hardly fall TO be a good woman
the delight and comfort OF some ones
life. What better end has home educa-
ton.
In the detsils Of their life together the
intercourse between mother and daugh-
ter should be OF the frankest and tender.
est, for IL Ia quite possible to be severe
with faults and correct them without
wOuuuinK the SINNER.
IL Is far too common mistake with
mothers TO correct failure openly and
In the presence Of others. Instead OF
this, Il Is wiser rs well as more efilcs-
cious to speak at length when alone with
the child. IL is then or never that the
culprit may have 4 standard set for her,
q principle laid down for her guidance,
and she may be made to feel that she Il
reforming herself instead Of being bull
lied into the paths OF righteousness.
Politeness towards girls is most nee
esssry from the mother--nothing Il
more contagious than courtesy, al
though, after certain age, girls seem
TO become immune, and, In view Of this,
no condemnation can be too severe for
the neither who forgets good manners In
her intercourse with her children. To
neglect In our families the little courte-
sizes and sweet thoughtfulness which we
offer so freely to strangers Is unpardon-
able.
All the foregoing may seem trite
enough, but look about you to see how
much Of ii Is carried out by the mother.
most eager In their plans for their
daughters education.
The simple lines laid down will serve
AS test OF their ambitions. Is II TO be
an education for the home or for the
individuslism which so often ends In
seldshness and discomfort :-Philsdel.
phis Ledger.