Coronado Eagle and Journal, Volume XVII, Number 26, 26 June 1929 — Encouragement and Truth Two Great Needs in Training of Children [ARTICLE]

Encouragement and Truth Two Great Needs in Training of Children

By MISS AGNES TILSON, Detroit School Teacher. ENCOURAGING response to a method of self expression, and truth from the start, are the two most important factors in desirable parent-child relationship. Nothing is more disastrous to the development of the child mind than parental indifference to 1 .is efforts, no matter whether it is only a house erected with blocks. If his work is appreciated, he feels ambitious to go on. It eventually leads to the child solving his own problems. Each child has the right to expect four things from adults whether they be parents, teachers, nurses or friends. They are security, truth, the opportunity of self-expression and response to Kis efforts, A child needs to feel security with adults and he needs truth at all times. He must have the truth in order to be adjusted socially and the right kind of co-operation between parents and child comes from giving them the truth always. It is often difficult but it can be done, and there is never a come-back. It is the best way to teach a child to respect its parents’ word. , Giving a child the right to self-expression doesn’t mean that he should intrude at any .time, but he should be heard and he should have the opportunity to have his curiosity satisfied. Parents need to be pals with their children, too, if they are to have a close relationship in later years. .It is often a battle of wits in rearing children and parents never should fail to be firm, but gentle. There should be some definite agreement between the parents regarding discipline and it should be carried out. At all times children should be respected and their personalities should be respected. Too often things are done to children which no one would think of doing to adults, and it often makes a deeper impression on the child than it would on the adult. Respect your children, treat them as they have the right to expect and there will be very few “child problems.” - • - .