Children generally follow the example of their parents, but imitate their faults more surely than their virtues. Thus,—
A light-heeled mother makes a heavy-heeled daughter.
Unless the mother transfers a part of her household cares to the daughter, the latter will grow up in sloth and ignorance of good housewifery. "A tender-hearted mother rears a scabby daughter" (French, Italian).[123]
A child may have too much of its mother's blessing.
Her foolish fondness may spoil it.
"A house full of daughters is a cellar full of sour beer" (Dutch).[124] Chaucer says,—
"He that hath more smocks than shirts in a bucking
Had need be a man of good forelooking."
"Marry your son when you will, and your daughter when you can" (Spanish).[125]