Front Porch Visits by MARTHA E. WARNER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 27, 1916

Front Porch Visits

By MARTHA E. WARNER

MARTHA E. WARNER

“MOTHER attempted to lead Harold from the room yesterday; and he told her if she touched him, he would scream so that the neighbors would think she was killing him—and scream he did. What should you suggest in a case like this?” asked Mrs. Bowen.

“I hardly know,” I replied. “Of course you are studying the boy; but he must not be allowed to disobey you for fear he will scream. One of my girls, when sent to her room until she could play peaceably with the other children, would cry and scream in a perfect rage. I talked and reasoned with her, but to no avail. So I told her that the next time she screamed, I should punish her.

“One day while entertaining a caller, I heard a commotion, and ‘mother’ was wanted. Excusing myself, I found it was necessary to separate May from the others; so I sent her to her room. She had not been there very long before I heard unearthly yells. My caller soon took her departure, and I went to May, and asked for an explanation. She said she thought I would let her go outdoors rather than have my friend hear her scream. I had a long talk with her about the necessity of self-control, not only for her own sake at the present time, but for the influence her course would have upon others when she was older. I punished her. When it was over, she threw her arms around my neck, and with tears streaming down her face, said, ‘I know you did it for my good, and you never will have to do it again.’ I never did. May had learned the lesson. In all my experience with children, I seldom had to use corporal punishment.”