Mother’s Helpers
215
younger members of the family. The mother should not wear herself
out by doing work that her children might do and should do
Sharing Burdens Gives Satisfaction—Help your children, par-
ents, to do the will of God by being faithful in the performance of the
duties which really belong to them as members of the family. This will
give them a most valuable experience. It will teach them that they are
not to center their thoughts upon themselves, to do their own pleasure,
or to amuse themselves. Patiently educate them to act their part in the
family circle, to make a success of their efforts to share the burdens
of father and mother and brothers and sisters. Thus they will have the
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satisfaction of knowing that they are really useful
Children can be educated to be helpful. They are naturally ac-
tive and inclined to be busy; and this activity is susceptible of being
trained and directed in the right channel. Children may be taught,
when young, to lift daily their light burdens, each child having some
particular task for the accomplishment of which he is responsible to
his parents or guardian. They will thus learn to bear the yoke of duty
while young; and the performance of their little tasks will become a
pleasure, bringing them a happiness that is only gained by well-doing.
They will become accustomed to work and responsibility and will
relish employment, perceiving that life holds for them more important
business than that of amusing themselves....
Work is good for children; they are happier to be usefully employed
a large share of the time; their innocent amusements are enjoyed with
a keener zest after the successful completion of their tasks. Labor
strengthens both the muscles and the mind. Mothers may make pre-
cious little helpers of their children; and, while teaching them to be
useful, they may themselves gain knowledge of human nature and how
to deal with these fresh, young beings and keep their hearts warm and
youthful by contact with the little ones. And as their children look to
them in confidence and love, so may they look to the dear Saviour for
help and guidance. Children that are properly trained, as they advance
in years, learn to love that labor which makes the burdens of their
friends lighter
14
Manuscript 126, 1903
.
15
Manuscript 27, 1896
.
16
The Health Reformer, December, 1877
.