To Every Mother...

Answer the following questions, then look up the correct answers on page 50 to learn how much you know of modern educational principles:

1. Do you believe that a nine-year-old child can take on by himself the responsibility of buying all his personal needs?

2. Do you believe that children deserve fixed wages for regularly performing household chores?

3. Do you agree that the ideal atmosphere for raising children is a calm, strictly regimented atmosphere?

4. If your child is behind the rest of his classmates in his reading, is it good to hound him and drive him harshly to study?

5. Do you agree that it is necessary to teach children, at an early age, the elementary rules of "etiquette"?

6. Do you believe in rewards — dolls, coins, and the like — offered to your child for a good deed he has done, instead of punishing him for wrong deeds?

7. Which of these two gifts is better for a child: a steam cart with rubber wheels, or a box containing wood, nails, and all the equipment that helps the child build such a cart himself?

8. Do you agree that the best remedy for your child's crying without cause is a well-timed "slap"?

9. Do you believe that a father must be a good example for his children to follow?

10. Do you agree that it is among the worst principles of upbringing for a father to lose his temper and shout at the top of his voice in the face of his stubborn, rebellious child?

1 — Yes. Even if the child spends his allowance unwisely, this teaches him for the future.

2 — No. It is not wise to "bribe" our children to do their household duty and help us — though a reward given afterward for a job the child has done well is a commendable thing.

3 — No, for such an atmosphere is artificial and unnatural for the child.

4 — Of course not, because pressure of this kind is liable to harm the child. A good school makes up this deficiency by means of arousing interest, not by means of intimidation.

5 — Yes; and our children ought to make good use of the word "thank you."

6 — Reward and punishment are both among the things unsuited to the raising of children.

7 — The second gift is the more useful; it helps to stimulate his mind and to set in motion the power of creation and invention.

8 — No; the "slap" solves nothing. It is a momentary remedy that does no good.

9 — It is well for a father to be a good example for his children, provided he does not overdo good conduct, lest he set his children an impossible standard. It is better for him to be natural, with emphasis on the moral virtues.

10 — No — and even the best of fathers do it. Anger is part of human nature... and are fathers not human beings?!!