Answers to a Mother's Questions by Agnes Lewis-Caviness

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 16, 1916

Answers to a Mother's Questions

By Agnes Lewis-Caviness

AGNES LEWIS-CAVINESS

THE following answers, which were written to a mother pursuing studies in the mothers' normal department of the Fireside Correspondence School, may prove helpful to other mothers under similar circumstances:—

As you have asked me several questions, I will number them, and answer the best I can. It is difficult for any one to advise another concerning little folks; for there are always so many peculiarities that only parents understand. One can only lay down principles, and let each mother interpret them as seems best in her own particular case.

1. Children near the same age often “pester” each other, though each really loves the other dearly. When they grow a little older, this will likely drop away. Since they miss each other so much, why not have your children play separately sometimes, and tell Florence you do it to help her remember not to tease her sister?

2. I should stop the teasing of company at once. Do not let her come in where you are receiving your callers for a few times, and tell her why. Such familiarity is very rude, and may annoy your friends greatly if allowed to go unchecked.

3. Put bitter aloes or solution of quinine on the thumb, and tell Florence what is often the effect of the constant sucking of the thumb. If she is not troubled with adenoids, thumb sucking may cause their growth.

4. Isolation is the best remedy I know for “getting mad.” Do not scold; tell her you are letting her stay in the bedroom or kitchen (not a dark closet) till she is sweet again; for nobody enjoys cross people. Tell her she may herself come out when she can come smiling. I know a mother who sends her little ones off to bed whenever they are naughty to each other or to her. It is a good idea; for naughtiness is a result of tiredness and nervousness more often than we realize.

5. I should not teach the letters formally. Show the children letters on corn flake or other boxes till they know the names of many without realizing that they are really learning them.

6. The form of punishment used for any disobedience depends entirely on the child, his attitude to his naughtiness, and upon the seriousness of the offense.

I hope these few suggestions will help you a bit, and that you may find more and more help in the lessons as the days go by.