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Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Development, September 13
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not
depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
.
It is the nicest work ever assumed by men and women to deal with youthful
minds. The greatest care should be taken in the education of youth to so vary the
manner of instruction as to call forth the high and noble powers of the mind. Parents
and schoolteachers are certainly disqualified to properly educate children if they
have not first learned the lesson of self-control, patience, forbearance, gentleness,
and love. What an important position for parents, guardians, and teachers! There
are very few who realize the most essential wants of the mind and how to direct the
developing intellect, the growing thoughts and feelings of youth....
The early education of youth shapes their characters both in their secular and in
their religious life. Solomon says: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This language is positive. The training
which Solomon enjoins is to direct, educate, and develop. In order for parents
and teachers to do this work, they must themselves understand “the way” the child
should go. This embraces more than merely having a knowledge of books. It takes
in everything that is good, virtuous, righteous, and holy. It comprehends the practice
of temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to God and to one another.
In order to attain this object, the physical, mental, moral, and religious education of
children must have attention.... Children should be taught to respect experienced
judgment and be guided by their parents and teachers. They should be so educated
that their minds will be united with the minds of their parents and teachers, and so
instructed that they can see the propriety of heeding their counsel. Then when they
go forth from the guiding hand of their parents and teachers, their characters will
not be like the reed trembling in the wind....
Small children should be left as free as lambs to run out of doors, to be free and
happy, and should be allowed the most favorable opportunities to lay the foundation
for sound constitutions....
The mother should have less love for the artificial in her house ... and should
find time to cultivate, in herself and in her children, a love for the beautiful buds
and opening flowers.... She can lead their minds up to their Creator and awaken in
their young hearts a love for their heavenly Father, who has manifested so great love
for them. Parents can associate God with all His created works.... These lessons,
imprinted upon the minds of young children amid the pleasant, attractive scenes of
nature, will not be soon forgotten (
Testimonies for the Church 3:131-137
).
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