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The Adventist Home
fulness and duty. This is his special work, above every other. During
the first few years of a child’s life the molding of the disposition is
committed principally to the mother; but she should ever feel that in
her work she has the co-operation of the father. If he is engaged in
business which almost wholly closes the door of usefulness to his
family, he should seek other employment which will not prevent him
from devoting some time to his children. If he neglects them, he is
unfaithful to the trust committed to him of God.
The father may exert an influence over his children which shall
be stronger than the allurements of the world. He should study the
disposition and character of the members of his little circle, that he
may understand their needs and their dangers and thus be prepared to
repress the wrong and encourage the right
Whatever may be the character of his business, it is not of so great
importance that he be excused in neglecting the work of educating and
training his children to keep the way of the Lord
Become Acquainted With Varied Dispositions—The father
should not become so absorbed in business life or in the study of
books that he cannot take time to study the natures and necessities of
his children. He should help in devising ways by which they may be
kept busy in useful labor agreeable to their varying dispositions
[222]
Fathers, spend as much time as possible with your children. Seek to
become acquainted with their various dispositions, that you may know
how to train them in harmony with the word of God. Never should a
word of discouragement pass your lips. Do not bring darkness into
the home. Be pleasant, kind, and affectionate toward your children,
but not foolishly indulgent. Let them bear their little disappointments,
as every one must. Do not encourage them to come to you with their
petty complaints of one another. Teach them to bear with one another
and to seek to maintain each other’s confidence and respect
Associate With Them in Work and Sports—Fathers, ... com-
bine affection with authority, kindness and sympathy with firm re-
straint. Give some of your leisure hours to your children; become
acquainted with them; associate with them in their work and in their
5
The Review and Herald, August 30, 1881
.
6
The Signs of the Times, September 10, 1894
.
7
Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 127, 128
.
8
Manuscript 60, 1903
.