268
Child Guidance
prefer to do it all themselves. But in so doing, they leave the essential
branches of education neglected and commit a great wrong against
their children; for in afterlife they feel embarrassment because of their
lack of knowledge in these things
Give Training to Both Boys and Girls—Since both men and
women have a part in homemaking, boys as well as girls should gain
a knowledge of household duties. To make a bed and put a room
in order, to wash dishes, to prepare a meal, to wash and repair his
own clothing, is a training that need not make any boy less manly; it
will make him happier and more useful. And if girls, in turn, could
learn to harness and drive a horse, [
Note: this was written in 1903.
The principles are fully applicable today.
] and to use the saw and the
hammer, as well as the rake and the hoe, they would be better fitted to
meet the emergencies of life
It is as essential for our daughters to learn the proper use of time
as it is for our sons, and they are equally accountable to God for the
manner in which they occupy it. Life is given us for wise improvement
of the talents we possess
[352]
See Privileges in Conserving Mother’s Strength—Every day
there is housework to be done—cooking, washing dishes, sweeping,
and dusting. Mothers, have you taught your daughters to do these
daily duties? ... Their muscles need exercise. In the place of getting
exercise by jumping and playing ball or croquet, let their exercise be
to some purpose
Teach the children to bear their share of the burdens of the house-
hold. Keep them occupied at some useful employment. Show them
how to do their work easily and well. Help them to realize that by
lightening the burdens of their mother, they are preserving her strength
and prolonging her life. Many a weary mother has been laid away
in an untimely grave for no other reason than that her children were
not taught to share her burdens. By encouraging a spirit of unselfish
service in the home, parents are drawing their children closer to Christ,
who is the embodiment of unselfishness
19
An Appeal to Mothers, 15
.
20
Education, 216, 217
.
21
Health Reformer, December 1, 1877
.
22
Manuscript 129, 1898
.
23
Manuscript 70.1903
.