The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-08-03
< SATISFACTORY HOdSE TOR "A MARROW h07 @

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 | low a 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 a valued orna- mcnt or book, he learns to obey when his mothers quiet, gentle, firm voice says No" 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 in sharing his toys with others, or derly habits in putting away his toys, in stead of leaving them for his mother to gather up; considerate habits in not being noisy when his mother has a head ache
 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. It is well to find under what conditions he will break a bad habit either by having it suppressed directly, or by building up a good habit III its place.
 Importance of Surroundings
 A child is very susceptible to the in | f1uence of his surroundings, very sensi- tive to the looks, voices, manners of his parents. He sees whether there Is love 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 ment of character If parents have | moods, sometimes scolding him, then lavishing caresses, they cannot expect to lead him toward happy, reasonable, obedient boyhood. Inconsistency creates | distrust and lack of respect. He irni- tates those he is with and takes his temper from his environment. An at mosphere of peace in the home promotes a 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 to manage" to lead, not to force. A child should grow into boyhood feeling tI1dI WnGIl tO uO Dy HIS parents 1t IS not a stern command given by stronger persons, but a kindly rule for his own good. A boy who obeys simply because he fears punishment, has a slavish habit of mind and is not gain ing moral strength.
 Parents are wise who do not resort to physical force in punishment. The mind, not the body, is to be influenced. Some
 restraint, or task, or the deprivation of a pleasure, may be a punishment. Le- niency may be an injustice when 1t means
 that boys character may be weakened
 if he is excused for wrong-doing.
 A wrong act should be corrected at the proper moment, not punished later. Wis
 dom, patience, and calm strength from
 within the soul are needed by parents
 in correcting a child.
 Tho Child is an Individual
 Any theory of training will fail which
 does not recognize the individuality and
 personality of each child. The guidance
 for one may not be best for another. A
 boys temperament, tastes, abilities and peculiarities are not only inherited from his parents, but from lines of his ances- tors in two families.
 4 Constant discoveries of characteristics may be made, and the knowledge util- visable always to try to find the hidden lgood to develop, it is necessary to watch carefully for tendencies which may re-
 veal faults to correct, or weaknesses to be overcome before they result in fixed habits
 It is not difficult to guide the impulsive enthusiastic, imaginative boy, but the dull and phlegnatic boy needs suggestion, the morose or obstinate one needs sympathy. |, A boy with quick temper needs loving guidance. He must be helped to look
 within his heart, to learn to control the
 angry thoughts or feelings that lead to a : quarrel
 A boy with a strong will needs tender, subtle direction. He may be