Chapter 36—A Companion With His Children
Spend Time With Children—The average father wastes many
golden opportunities to attract and bind his children to him. Upon
returning home from his business, he should find it a pleasant change
to spend some time with his children
Fathers should unbend from their false dignity, deny themselves
some slight self-gratification in time and leisure, in order to mingle
with the children, sympathizing with them in their little troubles, bind-
ing them to their hearts by the strong bonds of love, and establishing
such an influence over their expanding minds that their counsel will
be regarded as sacred
Take Special Interest in the Boys—The father of boys should
come into close contact with his sons, giving them the benefit of
his larger experience and talking with them in such simplicity and
tenderness that he binds them to his heart. He should let them see that
he has their best interest, their happiness, in view all the time
He who has a family of boys must understand that, whatever his
calling, he is never to neglect the souls placed in his care. He has
brought these children into the world and has made himself responsible
to God to do everything in his power to keep them from unsanctified
associations, from evil companionship. He should not leave his restless
boys wholly to the care of the mother. This is too heavy a burden for
her. He must arrange matters for the best interests of the mother and
the children. It may be very hard for the mother to exercise self-control
[221]
and to manage wisely in the training of her children. If this is the case,
the father should take more of the burden upon his soul. He should be
determined to make the most decided efforts to save his children
Train Children for Usefulness—The father, as the head of his
own household, should understand how to train his children for use-
1
The Signs of the Times, December 6, 1877
.
2
Ibid.
.
3
Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 128
.
4
Manuscript 79, 1901
.
163