Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-08-10

she yields to the child's exactions, for the |
sake Of peace, or from indifference or
sheer laziness, she need not be surprised
to find the child developing obstinacy
and temper. A safe rule is never to al
low child to do once without protest
what is undesirable for him to continue
to do always,
Establish Good Habits
Habits Of right action may be estab-
lished before he is conscious that these
are of permanent value If he is taught
that he is not to touch valued orna
ment or book, he learns to obey when his
mothers quiet, gentle, firm voice says
mo" He looks in her eyes and trusts
her. If he is allowed to be destructive,
he assumes that he has that privilege.
In his childhood he must learn habits
of modesty, cleanliness, generous habits
in sharing his toys with others, or
derby habits in putting away his toys, in
stead of leaving them for his mother to
gather up; considerable habits in not
being noisy when his mother has head
lache.
| If he is not taught good habits be-
fore he is seven or eight years old, the
loss is almost irretrievable. A child
forms or breaks habits very readily. 1t
| is we'll to find under what conditions he
will break bad habit, either by having
it suppressed directly, or by building up
a good habit in its place.
Importance of Surroundings
A child is very susceptible to the in
iuence Of his surroundings, very sensi-
Tive to the looks, voices, manners of his
LJa caec ,,,at1,e. tl,ara &c lave
and respect in their relationship, con-
sistency of conduct or the reverse He
detects quickly the difference between
Justice and injustice in their treatment
OF him.
/ Dissension between parents is dan
gerous to the child's proper develop
rnent of character If parents have
moods, sometimes scolding him, then
lavishing caresses, they cannot expect to
lead him toward a happy, reasonable,
obedient boyhood. Inconsistency creates
distrust and lack of respect He imi-
tates those he is with and takes his
temper from his environment. An at
mosphere of peace in the home promotes
cheerful disposition.
Better to Lead than to Force
Obedience should be required only
with view to the welfare of the child
Parents should demand only what is
reasonable, but demand it invariably
Discipline aims at personal assistance
The intention must be to direct, not tc
manager" to lead, not to force
child should grow into boyhood feeling
that when told to do anything by hi.
parents it is not stern command giver
by stronger persons, but a kindly ruiz
for his own good A boy who obey
simply because he fears punishment ha
a slavish habit of mind and is not gain
ing moral strength.
Parents are wise who do not resort t.
physical force in punishment The mind
not the body, is to be influenced Som
restraint, or task, or the deprivation of ;
pleasure, may be punishment. lie
'licncy may be an injustice when it mean
chat boys character may be weakened
+ he is excused for wrong-doing
A wrong act should be corrected at tn
proper moment, not punished later. Wis
dom, patience, and calm strength from
within the soul are needed by parent
in correcting child.
mo Child Is an Individual
Any theory of training will fail whicI
does not recognize the individuality an
personality of each child. The guidanc
for one may not be best for another. 1
boys temperament, tastes, abilities an
peculiarites are not only inherited from
his parents, but from lines of his ances
= tors in two families.
e Constant discoveries of characteristic
v may be made, and the knowledge util
d lied in helping him. Although it is ad
: visable always to try to find the hiddel
good to develop, it is necessary to watcl
carefully for tendencies which may re
veal faults to correct, or weaknesses t
y be overcome before they result in fxe
d habits.
d 1t is not difficult to guide the impulsivt
g enthusiastic, imaginative boy, but the du
p, and phlegmatic boy needs suggestion, tn
If morose or obstinate one needs sympathy
al A boy with quick temper needs lovin
le guidance He must be helped to loo
i. within his heart, to learn to control til
81 angry thoughts or feelings that lead to
1t quarrel.
II A boy with strong will need
if tender, subtle direction. He may