248
Child Guidance
Parents who give this training are not the ones likely to be found
criticizing the teacher. They feel that both the interest of their children
and justice to the school demand that, so far as possible, they sustain
and honor the one who shares their responsibility
Never Criticize the Teacher Before Children—Parents, when
the church school teacher tries to train and discipline your children
that they may gain eternal life, do not in their presence criticize his
actions, even though you may think him too severe. If you desire
them to give their hearts to the Saviour, co-operate with the teacher’s
efforts for their salvation. How much better it is for children, instead
of hearing criticism, to hear from the lips of their mother words of
commendation regarding the work of the teacher. Such words make
lasting impressions and influence the children to respect the teacher
[326]
If criticism or suggestion in regard to the teacher’s work becomes
necessary, it should be made to him in private. If this proves ineffec-
tive, let the matter be referred to those who are responsible for the
management of the school. Nothing should be said or done to weaken
the children’s respect for the one upon whom their well-being in so
great degree depends
If parents would place themselves in the position of the teachers,
and see how difficult it must necessarily be to manage and discipline a
school of hundreds of students of every grade and class of minds, they
might, upon reflection, see things differently
Insubordination Often Begins in the Home—In allowing chil-
dren to do as they please, parents may think themselves affectionate,
but they are practicing the veriest cruelty. Children are able to reason,
and their souls are hurt by inconsiderate kindness, however proper this
kindness may be in the eyes of the parents. As the children grow older,
their insubordination grows. Their teachers may try to correct them,
but too often the parents side with the children, and the evil continues
to grow, clothed, if possible, with a still darker covering of deception
than before. Other children are led astray by the wrong course of these
children, and yet the parents cannot see the wrong. The words of their
7
Education, 283
.
8
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 154, 155
.
9
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 161, 162
.
10
Testimonies For The Church 4:429
.