Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 127, 1898

Words to Parents

NP

October 17, 1898

Portions of this manuscript are published in AH 197; CG 216.

Parents, do you realize that there is a great responsibility resting upon you? The little children in your arms will soon grow out of babyhood into childhood. Your boys and girls need to be carefully nourished. The best gift you can bestow upon your children is the gift of love in their childhood. Give time to your children. When visitors have come to see me, I have felt that I could not send my children out of the room. Give the children a place. Do not send them out of doors that you may entertain your visitors, but teach them to be respectful and quiet in the presence of visitors. Do not banish them from your presence by harsh words. 13LtMs, Ms 127, 1898, par. 1

The little ones must be carefully soothed when in trouble. Children between babyhood and manhood and womanhood do not generally receive the attention that they should have. Mothers are needed who will so guide their children that they will regard themselves as a part of the family. Let the mother talk with her children regarding their hopes and their perplexities. Let parents remember that their children are to be cared for in preference to strangers. They are to be kept in a sunny atmosphere, under the mother’s guidance. They may sometimes show rude and unformed manners. Be careful that you are not rude to your children, either in speech or in dress. 13LtMs, Ms 127, 1898, par. 2

Require obedience, and do not allow yourself to speak carelessly to your children, because your manners and your words are their lessonbook. Help them gently, tenderly over this period of their life. Let the sunshine of your presence make sunshine in their hearts. These growing boys and girls feel very sensitive, and by roughness you may mar their whole life. Be careful, mothers. Never scold; for that never helps. 13LtMs, Ms 127, 1898, par. 3