United Front
237
How Lessons in Deception May Be Given—Some fond mothers
suffer wrongs in their children which should not be allowed in them
for a moment. The wrongs of the children are sometimes concealed
from the father. Articles of dress or some other indulgence is granted
by the mother with the understanding that the father is to know nothing
about it, for he would reprove for these things.
Here a lesson of deception is effectually taught the children. Then
if the father discovers these wrongs, excuses are made and but half the
truth told. The mother is not openhearted. She does not consider as she
should that the father has the same interest in the children as herself,
and that he should not be kept ignorant of the wrongs or besetments
that ought to be corrected in them while young. Things have been
covered. The children know the lack of union in their parents, and
it has its effect. The children begin young to deceive, cover up, tell
things in a different light from what they are to their mother as well as
their father. Exaggeration becomes habit, and blunt falsehoods come
to be told with but little conviction or reproof of conscience.
These wrongs commenced by the mother’s concealing things from
the father, who has an equal interest with her in the character their
children are forming. The father should have been consulted freely.
All should have been laid open to him. But the opposite course, taken
to conceal the wrongs of the children, encourages in them a disposition
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to deceive, a lack of truthfulness and honesty
There should always be a fixed principle with Christian parents to
be united in the government of their children. There is a fault in this
respect with some parents—a lack of union. The fault is sometimes
with the father, but oftener with the mother. The fond mother pets and
indulges her children. The father’s labor calls him from home often,
and from the society of his children. The mother’s influence tells. Her
example does much toward forming the character of the children
Children Are Confused by Parents at Variance—The family
firm must be well organized. Together the father and mother must con-
sider their responsibilities, and with a clear comprehension undertake
their task. There is to be no variance. The father and mother should
5
Testimonies For The Church 1, 156, 157
.
6
Testimonies For The Church 1, 156
.