The Child's Corner

Grown adults have a close connection with the development of the child's personality and the polishing of his inner nature, for through their agreeable companionship with the child they reflect to him the manner of treating others well. But this method is slow, because the child is not born well-mannered — though he has the potentialities to become so. In his conduct he resembles primitive man, who cares for nothing but the satisfaction of his personal desires. Thanks to knowledge, sound social guidance, and a calm family atmosphere, the child changes his selfish outlook on life. But this change requires a long time, and parents must accept it with fair patience as something natural.

There is no doubt that a child is readier than others to bear responsibilities if he finds himself in a cheerful surrounding.

Let us set theories aside and take examples from our real life. Sometimes a visitor comes to you who is fond of your child, but the child shies away from him and displays before him gestures that betray a want of upbringing — what is to be done!! The best way to change your child's view of your guest is by changing his feeling toward him: you must encourage him to love visitors. And your own attitude toward your child has a great effect, for if you use tactful ways in your dealing with him, he will imitate you in his dealing with visitors and with grown-ups; he is, in a way, the mirror that reflects your conduct.

As for laying responsibility upon the child, as a rule he should bear a responsibility that suits his wishes, and with time he grows accustomed to bearing greater responsibilities.

Among the truest of the theories I have studied in the art of raising children is the one which says that the child is like dough, turning and changing according to the will of the one who rears him. The child comes into the world with his potentialities, which need developing, and the way society develops them determines the child's character. Among the most important things that determine the child's character are the relations and conduct of the parents with each other, their relations and conduct with others, and their relations and conduct with the child himself.