The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-01-25
Woes Of Discord
in the Home
BY ELLA WHEELER WILCOX

Do not for one instant use the
money measure In estimating what
you are doing for your children.
Though you may be giving them
every advantage that dollars can pro-
cure. you are not performing your
duty by them or by the world In which
they are to live unless you are teach
ing them to love you by your lovable
qualities, your Kindness and sympathy
and understanding OF their young, un-
developed natures.
Many Parents Faults.
If you arc so stern they fear you, 30
austere they dare not make you q
conndant. SO irritable over their faults
that they dread the sound of your
voice, so forgetful of the feelings OF
youth which you have outgrown that
they hide all their inmost thoughts
from you. then you are not good
parent, no matter If you deny yourself
comforts to give them advantages and
luxuries.
Unless you are making the home Of
your children the most agreeable
place on earth and yourself the most
tender and loving friend they can
find, the expenditure of thousands OF
dollars is not going to justify you
in the idea of being good parent.
"Since / was six years old" said n
boy Of twenty. II mover recall happy.
peaceful week at home. Everybody
was unhappy and ,discord reigned. !
used to dread my vacations"
"And l." said woman present, ire
member Just three weeks when there
was no discord of any kind In our
family. They were three weeks OF
Paradise to me. There was no great
tragedy or sorrow over our home, only
the lack of control, and the nervous
ness and the quick temper. But those
things made the house a continual
scene of discomfort Ny parents were
ready to sacrifice life and hard-earned
money for my health and education,
but they did not realize tho great
wrong they did me in not cultivating |
self-control and gentleness."
A Few Good Rules. al
The memories of childhood are in
delibe. Most children are quick of
perception and sensitive to mental at
mospheres, and they often suffer Keen
ly when depression and discord are
existing. though unexpressed. In the
home.
OF all times make the meal hour a
cheerful one for your children. Intro
duce agreeable subjects of conversa-
tlOh anu aNoll iuS uiptCdSdiit tcpiS'
Smile and look Interested, even If It'll
requires an effort. while the family
sits about the board. A gloomy and
silent meal hour is far worse than q
long fast for child or for an adult.
Never let your children go to sleep
feeling that you are harsh or unsym-
pathetic or unforglving. If they have
done wrong or wounded you, have a
quiet talk with them. but let your
last words on leaving be kind and as
sure them that your heart is full OF
love for them.
Never darken the morning with a
sullen face or harsh greeting. These
are greater wrongs to a child than
an inability to clothe or educate IL
like Its pIaymates.
Do not let a living child feel that
all your love was buried with one that
died. Many boy and girl has car
ried sore heart for years because OF
the selfish and tactless grief of a
mother for a dead brother or sister.
The living need love more than the
dead.
BY ELLA WHEELER WILCOX.
Copyright. 1910. by the New York
Evening Journal Publishing Coz