Chapter 11—To be Taught from Babyhood
Begin the Teaching Early—Obedience to parental authority
should be inculcated in babyhood and cultivated in youth
Some parents think that they can let their little ones have their
own way in their babyhood, and then when they get older, they will
reason with them; but this is a mistake. Begin in the baby life to teach
obedience.... Require obedience in your home school
From their earliest life children should be taught to obey their
parents, to respect their word, and to reverence their authority
Before Reason Is Developed—One of the first lessons a child
needs to learn is the lesson of obedience. Before he is old enough to
reason, he may be taught to obey
The mother’s work should commence with the infant. She should
subdue the will and temper of the child and bring its disposition into
subjection. Teach it to obey, and as the child grows older, relax not the
hand
Before Self-will Grows Strong—Few parents begin early enough
to teach their children obedience. The child is usually allowed to get
two or three years the start of its parents, who forbear to discipline
it, thinking it is too young to learn to obey. But all this time self is
growing strong in the little being, and every day makes it a harder task
for the parent to gain control of the child.
At a very early age children can comprehend what is plainly and
simply told them, and, by kind and judicious management, can be
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taught to obey.... The mother should not allow her child to gain an
advantage over her in a single instance; and, in order to maintain
this authority, it is not necessary to resort to harsh measures; a firm,
steady hand and a kindness which convinces the child of your love
will accomplish the purpose. But let selfishness, anger, and self-will
1
The Review and Herald, March 13, 1894
.
2
Letter 75, 1898
.
3
The Review and Herald, July 16, 1895
.
4
Education, 287
.
5
The Signs of the Times, February 26, 1880
.
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