Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-20
DUNNACK BEFORE
MOTHERS CLUB ON
CHILD EDUCATION

At the sixth meeting of the Smith
school Parent Teachers Association
Tuesday afternoon. held at the Y. M
G.. A. at 33O. the other Parent
Teacher Associations OF the city were
invited guests.
The meeting was ope:ed by the
president, Mrs. A. NJ. G. Soule, who
spoke of the Importance of the diff
ferent organizations working in uni
sol to stimulate interest in the
clubs. She welcomed the visiting
mothers and the program of the aft
eTnoon was opened by a japanese
duet in costume, by Frances SOule
and Helen Slosberg, accompanied by
Mrs. Cony Weston. A violin solo by
Elizabeth White. accompanied bv
Marion White, followed. after which
Mrs. Soule introduced Rev. II. f.
Dunnack. who spoke on the "Edu-
cation of Youth"
He started with the significance
of infancy, it being the period for
development of natural powers of
individuals to learn how to live.
which is contrary to the infancy of
birds and beasts. The period of In
fancy in humans is necessarily long
er. according to the evolution of
mani " hNSP So6StlCi III
the rearing Of young. The task of
caring for children gives an educa-
ton that can be procured in no 9TH
er way. A child is born with ma
tive powers awakened by environ
ment. What he may be is developed
by experience.
AT what time in a child's life
should religious education begin ?
The first five years are important
to the mother In determining early
habits to shape the formation of the
character. Small children receive
religious impressions unconsciously.
easily growing to absorb the char
acteT strengthening thoughts. Mr..
Dunnack deplored pity for the moth
err who impoverishes the religious
life of her children to gain social
and financial ends. She who leads
little child to light and knowledge
gains wonderful victory. Force
can sway the hand but never the
heart.
The period between four and FIVE
is the period of most rapid growth
and development The senses are
hungry at this age with unlimited
capacity for knowledge. also self in
terest Is peculiarly natural at this
age and the child is susceptible to
expressions of love. approval, disap-
proval. He begins to set up a world
OF make-heiieve and sometimes Is
quite unable to distinguish between
real and unreal. so the mother
should not find it surprising if the
child does not always express the
truth. This is the period of aston
lshment. Everywhere is wonderland
The child is extremely receptive TO
outside influences. thus placing him
at the mercy of those upon whom
he depends for guidance.
Habits are not morality. Habits
are the, roots of morality. Good
habits instilled in a child in early
years will pave the way to a good
life. All failures of fife are before
six wears OF age. The first good
habit is obedience. 1t is a mistake
of Kindness to relieve the child OF
all cares In the home. The bust
ness OF the mother is to tie the con-
scientiousness Of a personal God to
the childs world. When she has
done this the chiid's whole life will
be in the presence of God. The
earlier the Child is taught TO prav.
the better. On days Of happiness re.
mind him of the joys Of the day and
have him thank God for them, thus
teaching him to pray from the heart.
forming the habit of prayer. Habits
are stuff of which character is
made.
In speaking OF punishment, Mr..
Dunnack warned never to punish in
anger. but to punish for the fault,
always use undertaking consistency
in punishment. and teach the pen
atty of wrong doing. Punish with
out humility. never lose ones head
or temper. make clear what the