p. 13 | Teaching Industry in the Home by Carrie S. Welty

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1916

Teaching Industry in the Home

By Carrie S. Welty

CARRIE S. WELTY

THE home life today, as regards industry, is not what it was in the time of Solomon. Giving a pen picture of a virtuous housewife in the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs, he tells us that “her price is far above rubies.” She not only looked “well to the ways of her household,” but was able, it would appear, to add to the family income. The wise man says: “She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. . . . Her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. . . . She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. . . . She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. . . . She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

Such a wife and mother must have taught her children habits of industry, thus giving to the world useful men and women.

But we live in a different day and generation. Home-keepers live a more strenuous life than did the mothers of olden times, but in a different way. With the increase of knowledge has come many a labor-saving device. Before the changes of the last fifty years, women imitated, to some extent at least, the virtuous woman of Solomon’s day. Mothers taught their children to knit and sew, to wash, iron, and bake. But today our clothing is largely made by machinery. The laundry supplies clean linen. Our tables are set to a great extent with prepared foods, and there is not so much for either mothers or children to do. However, the necessary duties (and, after all, there are many steps to take) should not be done by the mother alone.

Most children are born with the desire to do things, and it takes a wise mother to keep the little hands employed in a commendable way, but this is necessary, for “an idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” A child can be taught to be industrious without being kept constantly at work, but he should be taught to work with all his might until his duties are done, and then play with all his might. It is discouraging to a child to feel that his work is never done. Better let each know his allotted tasks, and then be definite about his freedom for play.

Even when a mother is provided with hired help, her children should be taught to work, and perform certain tasks each day with neatness and dispatch. Let no mother say she would rather do the work herself than be bothered to teach her child. Little ones become selfish and indifferent under such training. On the other hand, if they realize that mother needs their help, and that the little things they can do are much appreciated, they will be anxious to give assistance. Let a cheery “Thank you” reward them for their efforts, and they will be proud and happy to have helped.

When the unexpected happens, and an errand must be done or some bit of work performed during playtime, does it not seem a bit cruel to interrupt the game by calling, imperatively, “Mary, come here. I want you”? Would it not be better to say, “Mary, excuse me, but couldn’t you leave your play just a few minutes to do this for me, then finish the game?” You will find that the apology will be fully appreciated, and the mother will be rewarded by having her children as considerate of her as she is of them.

In connection with teaching industry in the home, we may also consider the question of obedience. Can you imagine one ever becoming willingly obedient to his heavenly Father who is permitted, yes, encouraged, openly or covertly to disobey the command or request of his earthly parents? I have heard men and women of mature years express gratitude for the fact that their parents required prompt obedience during childhood. It is easier then in after-life to heed and obey the voice of God. Obedience is to a great extent a habit, and like other habits, more easily formed in the plastic, early years.

God has given us laws regarding obedience; he has left us an example regarding labor and rest, toil and recreation. As parents, we should practice these, and be able to teach them to our children. We must not work immoderately, neither should we fritter away valuable time. Let us seek to know God’s plans for us, and unite with him in carrying out his purposes.

Boulder, Colo.