66
Child Guidance
Bethlehem. These soft tunes will have a quieting influence. Sing them
these subdued tunes in regard to Christ and His love
No Wavering or Indecision—Perverse temper should be checked
in the child as soon as possible; for the longer this duty is delayed,
the more difficult it is to accomplish. Children of quick, passionate
disposition need the special care of their parents. They should be
dealt with in a particularly kind but firm manner; there should be no
wavering or indecision on the part of the parents in their case. The traits
of character which would naturally check the growth of their peculiar
faults should be carefully nourished and strengthened. Indulgence of
the child of passionate and perverse disposition will result in his ruin.
His faults will strengthen with his years, retard the development of his
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mind, and overbalance all the good and noble traits of his character
An Example of Parental Self-control Is Vital—Some parents
have not control over themselves. They do not control their own
morbid appetites or their passionate temper; therefore they cannot
educate their children in regard to the denial of their appetite, and
teach them self-control
If parents desire to teach their children self-control, they must first
form the habit themselves. The scolding and faultfinding of parents
encourages a hasty, passionate temper in their children
Weary Not in Well-doing—Parents are too fond of ease and plea-
sure to do the work appointed them of God in their home life. We
should not see the terrible state of evil that exists among the youth of
today if they had been properly trained at home. If parents would take
up their God-given work and would teach self-restraint, self-denial,
and self-control to their children, both by precept and example, they
would find that while they were seeking to do their duty, so as to meet
the approval of God, they would be learning precious lessons in the
school of Christ. They would be learning patience, forbearance, love,
and meekness; and these are the very lessons that they must teach to
their children.
After the moral sensibilities of the parents are aroused, and they
take up their neglected work with renewed energy, they should not
8
Manuscript 9, 1893
.
9
Pacific Health Journal, January, 1890
.
10
Pacific Health Journal, October 1897
.
11
The Signs of the Times, November 24, 1881
.