RESPECT IN THE SCHOOL ROOM
There is no surer way to teach a child to respect himself than to respect him. Trebonius, a great schoolmaster, upon entering the school-room was wont to lift his hat and say: “I uncover to the future senators, counsellors, wise teachers, and other great men that may come forth from this school.” There is no place where the respect of children is more potent than in the school-room. The teacher who so respects them, will in return receive that reverence and love which will make labor pleasure instead of toil.
There is no greater indication of rudeness and ill-training than too great familiarity with any one, more especially to those in higher official positions. A young man was asked why, as he had a preference for the army, he did not seek to become an officer. He replied: “I would not like to have to salute a superior officer.” A young man of this description would not be of value in any profession or to society. It is not the individual that we salute, but the commission of the superior officer. Every rank in life has its distinctive dignity, so we should insist upon that respect due our position, at the same time not forgetting the respect due others in both private and public life.
LOVE AND REVERENCE FOR ONE’S COUNTRY
We cannot impress too early on the child’s mind the love and reverence he owes to his country. The superior merits of her institutions should always be present in such teachings so that the child always would recognize the best under the flag which stands for his welfare and protection. Regardless of the respective merits of different governments, let none be greater than his own so that the child will learn always to defend and maintain the honor and dignity of his country.
The essential condition to be aimed at in home life should be that as the child grows up there be no question of fear, and that if the parents are to do the most for their children and are going to get the greatest amount of pleasure and comfort for themselves from them, there must be a spirit of perfect respect and kindly comradeship. Parents and children, to use the common but most expressive phrase, should in the best sense of the term be companions.
The laws of this and every civilized land teach respect for the property of others, the justice, not the penalty which commands due respect. But respect for the opinions and views of others—this is a virtue that needs be inoculated in your children’s minds early. It is closely connected with charity. In teaching this form of respect impress upon them the great difference in people. No two persons see or think exactly alike. The world would be monotonous were all of its people the same in thought and expression. It is always well to remember that, “it takes all kinds of people to make a world.” Respect for parents, for strangers, for the aged, should be instilled in the mind of every child. Explain to them that, “respect for others’ views is the surest way of winning them to your own.” Reverence for things sacred always helps to brighten the way. The reverence with which a little child kneels at his mother’s side is a beautiful sight. Respect for the mother’s teachings and reverence in the worship of God through her implicit faith in a higher power. Reverence and respect go hand in hand. “As ye measure to others, so in like manner shall it be measured to you again.”
DUTIES OF CHILDREN TO THEIR PARENTS
CHILDREN SHOULD SHARE IN DUTIES
Let the children share in the duties of the home. Even while very young there are many steps that a child may save the mother. Let them do the little things, such as bringing mother’s work basket or having something ready for father’s comfort when he comes home from the day’s work and care. Gradually, as they grow, let the tasks gently shift over to the young shoulders. It results by so doing in the mother always finding time to be the companion of her husband and children—and that they will appreciate.