A Bit of Experience

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1916

A Bit of Experience

A MOTHER

SOME months ago a dear little girl of seven came into our home. It was a pleasure to teach her with my own little six-year-old daughter, and I should like to tell other mothers some of the things we accomplished while she was with us.

Both children completed the first grade of school work. They also learned to mend and darn and patch neatly, to make creditable buttonholes, and to embroider and cross-stitch.

We had three rules for our work and for our play: (1) I will do my very best, because Jesus sees me all the time, and I want to please him; (2) I will not do anything today that I should not want mother and teacher to know; (3) Before I sleep, I will tell all my troubles to Jesus, and ask mother about anything I do not understand. The first two resolutions were repeated each morning, the third the last thing at night. I did my best to help the children make a practical application of each rule.

If I did not have to correct or punish them through the day, each child received a penny, not so much as a reward as an encouragement. The penny was not “pay” for “being good,” neither was it the highest motive placed before them. That was always to please Jesus. But it did serve as a reminder to faithfulness in the performance of their duties, and to be cheerful and courteous in their behavior. Each penny was carefully kept until ten had been earned; then one was laid aside for tithe, and the remaining nine went into their pocketbooks. Out of this money came Sabbath school donations, also chalk, pencils, and other small school supplies.

I do not believe in cramming or crowding, but children form habits easily, and our daily program was about as follows:—

Repeating our daily rules, feeding poultry and pets, setting the breakfast table (one put on the food, the other the china and silver), worship, and breakfast. Then one packed the dishes, while the other cleared away the food. After this came an hour for study and recitation. They played until time to set the table for dinner, and after the dishes were washed and put away, they spent an hour on needlework. Following this they played till time for evening chores. If any duty was neglected, or if they failed to come promptly when called, the penny was withheld, and besides this, if they had trouble with each other, the one at fault gave a penny from her store. However, discipline of this kind was seldom needed.

On Sabbath we drove six miles to church. The children were much interested in the Sabbath school lessons, and at the end of the year could repeat every memory verse for the twelve months. On the way to and from church we learned many Bible chapters, and also a number of good poems.

Surely it is a blessed privilege to deal with children, and teach them faithfulness and diligence. It requires patience, self-control, and time, but in the end you will be amply repaid for your efforts. Encourage the little ones to take you into their confidence, and never leave an opportunity unimproved to gain their cooperation in what you have in mind for them. May the Lord help every mother to do her full duty in training the children who have been intrusted to her care.

Loma Linda, Cal.