The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1898-01-12

where virtue grows; ir this is miserable,
worthless and unprincipled; place rath-
er TO be avoiIed than entered, and this
is where the child's character is being
moulded, alas what can be expected2
The events Of the household are nearer
and more effecting to us than any other.
This being the case. make home worthy
OF the little ones, who are of another
world-travelers from a land of beauty.
Another great mistake we find many par
ents make in thior children, they do not
LET them think for themselves. Stand
back little and let them think and act
out their own nature; il will help them
to develope firmer manhood and wo-
manhood 10y teaching them the funda-
mental law Of success and self-reliance;
do not be continually doing the thinking
for them, aud teach them TO think and act
as you do; ask their opinion on subjects
discussed in your homes, and YOU may
DO surprised at the depth Of thought and
consistent reasoning they often display.
Children are naturally retentve and with
proper care they need never lose this
faculty; not day should pass without
something being mastered Ivy tho mind.
Il has been said that a poor memnry is
the greatest trouble some children have;
now this should he cultivated; parents
should never fail to feed the intellectual
hunger Of the child. Some little ones are
not allowed to speak in company, and we
are told children should be seen, not
heard" My ideas are not such. Child
rem are often well worth hearing; their
thoughts arc fresh and original. 1t is
pleasant for the child to know that it can
help entertain aud in so doirg it will de-
velope these faculties and become use
ful member of society. | fancy l hear
some mother say, 81 should never have
chance to visit myself if gave the
children that opportunity" Now If you
will teach your children true politeness
as every mother should, think you will
have no trouble in having them interrupt
others who are in conversation. Some
times | think we are not sufficiently re-
spectful tn children, IL we wish them 10
be respectful we shall have to practice it
ourselves; no sight is so rare and vet so
beautiful RS to see a parent polite to a
child. 1t is sometimes annoying to an
swer their thousand and one ques-
tions, yet we should do so il possible.
This is the only way they have of gaining
knowledge while they are so young.
Above all else in the world teach your
child Christianity; never let them grow
tired of God or aught that belongs to Him.
Never let them forget that Il e is prayer
hearing God, and that they can bring
their troubles and joys before their dear
Jesus, whom they quickly learn to love.
Do not fail to read them stories of the
Bible and particularly that sweetest tale
of the wondrous Christ story. Never al
low the little child to pass Off into the
dream land without first offering its little
prayer. The effects of these will be won
derful; more than we can immagine. 1t
will go with them in after life. And now
just few words to mothers, who, in the
fullness of generous love, run hither and
thither to do for the various members of
tine family those things which they should
make slave of their mother any more
than sac should make slaves of them,
and she will not be regarded with one
whit more love or reverence by saciitic-
ing herself wholly to them. Children
like to be useful and to feel that there is
pleasure in helping, and not to regard it
as something they must do and often re-
ceive no credit Tor, where if little praise
is given them they will learn to enjoy
helping mama, aud in after years will
feel that half the pleasure of living comes
of being able to be of service 10 other RS.
To bring a smile to little child's face,
a laugh into its heart, ought to be the
height OF happiness, even TO the least of
these. II has been well said that "he who
carries in his heart the love for little
child has gone far on the road to bette-
life."