| Do not expect
too much from an inexperienced child. A child of three or four
lacks the capabilities of one who is seven or eight years old.
Sometimes the oldest child suffers from being treated as if older
than he actually is. A child of seven is still a child, even if
there are six younger brothers and sisters. Act from the principle
of reason and faith and not from emotions which cloud the reason.
As a child begins to understand, explain the
reasons for your actions and commands. But do not let the child
think that obedience is simply a matter of the one with the
better reasons prevailing over the other. Obedience is not a
debate between parents and child. When the child is very young,
too many reasons only confuse.
Be Patient
This is so obvious that it barely needs stating.
The child is inexperienced, doesn’t hear when preoccupied with
other things, forgets easily, and sometimes has an uncanny knack
of irritating mother at the wrong time. These and many other
reasons place a great strain upon the patience of the father
and the mother. Some parents have a very low boiling point.
Only continued effort will achieve some measure of success in
this difficult virtue.
Be Consistent
Is a child knows what to expect from the parent
in certain circumstances, it will gradually conform. But if
the same action calls forth different responses, ranging from
violent disapproval to apathetic indifference, a child will
become confused. Be consistent in the treatment of children
so that no one is favored over the other.
Praise for Work Well Done
While it is true that a child must learn to
do things not for praise but out of a sense of duty, yet a little
praise accomplishes much. Do not forget that a child learns
the meaning of duty by the approval or disapproval that the
parents show.
Long before the child can define law and duty,
he knows what pleases or displeases a parent. This should not
remain as the motive for mature conduct. It is good to reward
with a treat for a job that has been well done, but it is not
wise to bribe a child.
Punish to Help Not Hurt
The purpose of punishment is the amendment
of a child, not the vindication of the authority of the parent
or the expression of personal spite. Punishment only enters
when the child has committed some moral fault. If a child makes
a mistake because he is confused, forgetful or ignorant, there
must be correction but not punishment.
The punishment musty fit the crime as well
as the personality of the child. Sometimes a glance will do.
At other times, some action is needed. Withdrawal of a privilege
is a proper method of punishment. |
