The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-11

mindful of the fact that the child naturally
passes through the several stages of civii-
cation through which the race has passed.
Left to himself he would probably take
several ages for his passage through the
savage, half-civilized and enlightened
stages. Because of the influence of par
ents and others, he is expected to pass
quite rapidly through the first stages.
Parents should appreciate the Importance
of beginning early, i'm order that they may
help the child to almost entirely skip the
first two stages.
Too often the child is permitted to do just
as he pleases for months or even years.
Though childhood is the time for freedom.
under some circumstances, it is of all
times, the one time when training can be
made most effective. This being the case,
parents should appreciate the Importance
of beginning a the beginning.
EASY AT THE BEGINNING.
Many parents who read upon this SUBJ
ject may express doubts as to the truth
of the statement that if taken in time
most of the very worst children could have
been managed quite easily. 1t seems hardly
possible to them that a child possessing
an unusually great supply of nervous
disposition, at other times very stubborn,
and once in a while showing signs of abso-
lutte INSTRUMENTATION, could ever have been
reached by any but the harshest methods
of management. However, there is but lit
tie. if any doubt, that the most gentle
measure would have proven perfectly sat-
isfactory, had they been tried in time, and
followed with firmness and perseverance.
years there will be no cause TO worry
about the rest. If this time is lost it will
be regained only with difficulty After these
years the parent will need to be the light
house TO guide away from hidden dangers.
What shall be done by the large ma jori-
~ who are at the beginning? This is the
problem which confronts many. For those
not at the beginning the problem is by no
means easy of solution. If a child has been
trained in improper habits. and has passed,
in part at least, beyond the parents con-
troll, the difficulty is still greater. However,
the principles are the same. though the
application may, of necessity, be some
what different. Under such circumstances
the means to be employed will have to be
far more strenuous than if started earlier.
NO REASON FOR DESPAIR.
Too many parents become ulSCOuraSeu
and are easily convinced that it is not pos
sible for them to manage their children.
Though children seem past retaining
there is generally no good reason for de-
spair. Ninety-five out of every hundred
can be reached. il parents will but take
the interest it is their duty to take in re-
claiming an erring child.
But for improper training there would be
little cause for regret. IL the parent will
govern himself in the light of suggestions
given in such articles as these, all may
yet be we'll Let the child be studied care
fully, persstently and prayerfully. Let the
example OF the parents be what II should
be. Let kindness be accompanied by much
frmness Let certain course of action
be followed invariably. Success Will most
certainly result. Ever let the parent re-
member that nine out of ten times the
child is not nearly so bad as he appears
to be.
If a child has formed habits of disobe-
dience and INSTRUMENTATION don't expect
him TO change suddenly for the better
With such a one you must often expect TO
work patiently, without seeing much i'm
proyement for some time. Especially VIII
this be the case with those of the bilious
temperament. With all, but especially with
such as before stated, habits cannot be
broken except in the way they have been
formed that is, by frequent repetition Do
not start by saying what you are going
to do.
After careful consideration determine
YOUR course of action. Find no fault with
what has been done in the past. Gradually.
cautiously and persistenty strive toward
the desired end. Ii may take great deal
of skill, but the result will be most satis-
factory. WILLIAM j. SHEARER.
Elizabeth, y. j.