Mother and Her Child
183
In the preparation of the baby’s wardrobe, convenience, comfort,
and health should be sought before fashion or a desire to excite admira-
tion. The mother should not spend time in embroidery and fancywork
to make the little garments beautiful, thus taxing herself with unneces-
sary labor at the expense of her own health and the health of her child.
She should not bend over sewing that severely taxes eyes and nerves,
at a time when she needs much rest and pleasant exercise. She should
realize her obligation to cherish her strength, that she may be able to
meet the demands that will be made upon her
[142]
Need of Self-Control in Child Discipline
In the training of a child there are times when the firm, matured
will of the mother meets the unreasoning, undisciplined will of the
child. At such times there is need of great wisdom on the part of the
mother. By unwise management, by stern compulsion, great harm may
be done the child.
Whenever possible, this crisis should be avoided; for it means a
severe struggle for both mother and child. But once such a crisis is
entered into, the child must be led to yield its will to the wiser will of
the parent.
The mother should keep herself under perfect control, doing noth-
ing that will arouse in the child a spirit of defiance. She is to give no
loud-voiced commands. She will gain much by keeping the voice low
and gentle. She is to deal with the child in a way that will draw him to
Jesus. She is to realize that God is her Helper; love, her power.
If she is a wise Christian she does not attempt to force the child to
submit. She prays earnestly that the enemy shall not obtain the victory,
and, as she prays, she is conscious of a renewal of spiritual life. She
sees that the same power that is working in her is working also in the
child. He becomes more gentle, more submissive. The battle is won.
Her patience, her kindness, her words of wise restraint, have done their
work. There is peace after the storm, like the shining of the sun after
rain. And the angels, who have been watching the scene, break forth
into songs of joy.
These crises come also in the life of husband and wife, who,
unless controlled by the Spirit of God, will at such times manifest the
184
The Adventist Home, 255-267