Self-Control
65
years in a child’s life. Children need to learn early that they cannot be
gratified when selfishness prompts their wishes
Give Nothing for Which Children Cry—One precious lesson
which the mother will need to repeat again and again is that the child
is not to rule; he is not the master, but her will and her wishes are to be
supreme. Thus she is teaching them self-control. Give them nothing
for which they cry, even if your tender heart desires ever so much to
do this; for if they gain the victory once by crying they will expect to
do it again. The second time the battle will be more vehement
Never Permit Display of Angry Passions—Among the first tasks
of the mother is the restraining of passion in her little ones. Children
should not be allowed to manifest anger; they should not be permit-
ted to throw themselves upon the floor, striking and crying because
something has been denied them which was not for their best good. I
have been distressed as I have seen how many parents indulge their
children in the display of angry passions. Mothers seem to look upon
these outbursts of anger as something that must be endured, and appear
indifferent to the child’s behavior. But if an evil is permitted once,
it will be repeated, and its repetition will result in habit, and so the
child’s character will receive an evil mold
[93]
When to Rebuke the Evil Spirit—I have often seen the little one
throw itself and scream if its will was crossed in any way. This is the
time to rebuke the evil spirit. The enemy will try to control the minds
of our children, but shall we allow him to mold them according to his
will? These little ones cannot discern what spirit is influencing them,
and it is the duty of parents to exercise judgment and discretion for
them. Their habits must be carefully watched. Evil tendencies are to
be restrained, and the mind stimulated in favor of the right. The child
should be encouraged in every effort to govern itself
Begin With the “Songs of Bethlehem.”—Mothers should edu-
cate their babies in their arms after correct principles and habits. They
should not allow them to pound their heads on the floor.... Let the
mothers educate them in their infancy. Commence with the songs of
4
The Signs of the Times, August 13, 1896
.
5
Manuscript 43, 1900
.
6
The Signs of the Times, March 16, 1891
.
7
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 61
.