Parental Influences
137
teach her that she belongs to God. With such a training she will grow
up to be a blessing to those around her. But clear, sharp discernment
will be necessary in order that you may repress her inclination to rule
you both, to have her own will and way, and to do as she pleases.—
Letter 69, 1896
.
Sunny Dispositions and Sweet Tempers—Teach your children
from the cradle to practice self-denial and self-control. Teach them to
enjoy the beauties of nature, and in useful employment to exercise all
the powers of mind and body. Bring them up to have sound constitu-
tions and good morals, to have sunny dispositions and sweet tempers.
Teach them that to yield to temptation is weak and wicked; to resist
is noble and manly.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
127
(1913).
Mothers Are an Example—If mothers would have their daugh-
ters come to womanhood with healthful bodies and virtuous characters,
they must in their own lives set the example, guarding them against the
health-destroying fashions of this age. Christian mothers have resting
[170]
upon them a responsibility which they do not realize. They should so
train their children that they may have firm principle and moral health
in this age of corruption.—
Manuscript 76, 1900.
When the Wish of Child Is Law—In some families the wish
of the child is law. Everything he desires is given him. Everything
he dislikes, he is encouraged to dislike. Indulgence is supposed to
make the child happy, but it only makes him restless and discontented.
Indulgence has spoiled his appetite for plain, healthful food and for the
plain use of his time; self-gratification has done the work of unsettling
his character for time and for eternity.—
The Review and Herald, May
10, 1898
.
Satan Seeks to Control Children’s Minds—Parents, you know
something of the inducements by which Satan tries to lead your chil-
dren into folly. He is working with all his powers to lead them astray.
With a determination that many do not dream of he is seeking to gain
control of their minds and to make the commandments of God of no
effect in their lives.—
Manuscript 93, 1909.
Parents to Bind Children to Their Hearts—Do not let your chil-
dren see you with a clouded brow. If they yield to temptation, and
afterward see and repent of their error, forgive them just as freely as
you hope to be forgiven by your Father in heaven. Kindly instruct