Chapter 5—The Role of Parents
Home a School for Speech Culture—It is the work of parents to
train their children to proper habits of speech. The very best school
for this culture is the home life. From the earliest years the children
should be taught to speak respectfully and lovingly to their parents and
to one another. They should be taught that only words of gentleness,
truth, and purity must pass their lips. Let the parents themselves be
daily learners in the school of Christ. Then by precept and example
they can teach their children the use of “sound speech, that cannot be
condemned.”
Titus 2:8
. This is one of the greatest and most responsible
of their duties.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 337, 338
.
The Parents’ Part and God’s Part—Fathers and mothers, you
have a solemn work to do. The eternal salvation of your children
depends upon your course of action. How will you successfully edu-
cate your children? Not by scolding, for it will do no good. Talk to
your children as if you had confidence in their intelligence. Deal with
them kindly, tenderly, lovingly. Tell them what God would have them
do. Tell them that God would have them educated and trained to be
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laborers together with Him. When you act your part, you can trust the
Lord to act His part.—
Child Guidance, 33
.
The Teaching of Correct Speech Habits—Instruction is to be
constantly given to encourage the children in the formation of correct
habits in speech, in voice, in deportment.—
Fundamentals of Christian
Education, 267
.
Sunshine or Shadows—It is important that children and youth
should be trained to guard their words and deeds; for their course of
action causes sunshine or shadow, not only in their own home, but also
with all with whom they come in contact.—
The Adventist Home, 437
.
Organs of Speech a Living Machinery—One of the finest and
most elevating branches of education is that of knowing how to address
members of the household, that the influence of the words spoken will
be pure and incorruptible. The proper conversation of a Christian is
that which will enable him to interchange ideas. Loud-voiced words,
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