Chapter 4—Methods of Teaching
Parental Government to Be a Study.— The work of the parent
is seldom done as it should be.... Parents, have you studied parental
government that you may wisely train the will and impulse of your
children? Teach the young tendrils to entwine about God for support.
It is not enough that you say, Do this, or, Do that, and then become
utterly regardless and forgetful of what you have required, and the
children are not careful to do your commands. Prepare the way for
your child to obey your commands cheerfully; teach the tendrils to
cling to Jesus.... Teach them to ask the Lord to help them in the little
things of life; to be wide awake to see the small duties which need to
be done; to be helpful in the home. If you do not educate them, there
is one who will, for Satan is watching his opportunity to sow the seeds
of tares in the heart
Approach Task With Restful Spirit and Loving Heart—My
sister, has God entrusted you with the responsibilities of a mother? ...
You need to learn right methods and acquire tact for the training of
your little ones, that they may keep the way of the Lord. You need
to seek constantly the highest culture of mind and soul, that you may
bring to the education and training of your children a restful spirit,
a loving heart; that you may imbue them with pure aspirations, and
cultivate in them a love for things honest and pure and holy. As a
humble child of God, learn in the school of Christ; seek constantly
to improve your powers, that you may do the most perfect, thorough
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work at home, by both precept and example
The Effect of a Quiet, Gentle Manner—Few realize the effect
of a mild, firm manner, even in the care of an infant. The fretful,
impatient mother or nurse creates peevishness in the child in her arms,
whereas a gentle manner tends to quiet the nerves of the little one
1
Manuscript 5, 1896
.
2
The Review and Herald, September 15, 1891
.
3
Pacific Health Journal, January, 1890
.
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