HAPPY CHILDREN | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 24, 1887

HAPPY CHILDREN.

CODDLING, pampering, and gratifying every wish of a child is more the result of selfishness than love. A love that cannot see future good in present discipline, is both narrow and stupid. True love can deprive the present minute of pleasure for future hours of good, and pure happiness.

"I try so hard to make my children happy!" said a mother, with a sigh, one day, in despair at her efforts. "Stop trying," exclaimed a practical friend at her elbow, "and do as a neighbor of mine does." "And how is that?" she asked dolefully. "Why, she simply lets her children grow and develop naturally, only directing their growth properly. She has always thrown them, as far as practicable, upon their own resources, taught them to wait upon themselves, no matter how many servants she had, and to construct their own playthings. When she returns home from an absence, they await but one thing—their mother's kiss. Whatever is bought for them is bestowed when the needed time comes. Nothing exciting is allowed to them at night, and they go to bed and to sleep in a wholesome mental state, that insures restful slumber. They are taught to love nature, and to feel that there is nothing arrayed so finely as the lily of the field, the bees, and the butterflies; that there is nothing so mean as a lie, nor anything so miserable as disobedience; that it is a disgrace to be sick, and that good health, good teeth, and good temper come from plain food, plenty of sleep, and being good.—Christian Union.