I once knew a young boy who needed his tongue clipped. I am quite sure the procedure would be simple and inexpensive, but his parents were too ignorant or selfish to have it done. Because of his manner of speech, he became the laughing stock of other kids and regarded as the class dunce. In fact, he had a good mind. He dropped out of school in the fifth grade and never went back. He got to drinking, and it was my sad duty as a judge to inflict legal punishment on this unfortunate man. Such cases are surely some of the great tragedies of life. This man could have been a useful and productive citizen but for a minor defect which became a major problem.

The case of a young lady comes to mind. She was a fine Christian, and a very attractive girl. Her teeth protruded. She became convinced that her fellow students were stuck up, clannish and hostile to her. The real trouble was the defensive spirit arising from an inferiority complex. An orthodontist could correct the condition and give the unfortunate girl a chance to a normal life.

13. SURROUND THE CHILD AT HOME WITH UPLIFTING PICTURES AND TRUISMS.
Beautiful pictures and paintings of nature enforce thoughts of a creative God. They uplift and inspire and suggest high thoughts. Your child has a great need for inspiration. It encourages the child to think high and inclines toward living on the heights of usefulness and service. I remember a picture that had the motto: "Christ is the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation." That saying helps to awaken and sustain the consciousness that Christ is immanent and sees all. Point your children to the skies by seeing that they view wholesome scenes, in art, in literature, on television, and so on. Inspire them to think on lofty and noble things by viewing such scenes.

14. REMEMBER THAT EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT.
These specifics have been general enough to accommodate for the fact that every child is different. When someone says, "They threw the mold away when they made old Joe," they are telling the literal truth. No two have ever been exactly alike. Therefore, while the same truths apply and the same advice is given, yet different approaches and emphases may be demanded by the peculiarities of the child. Recognize his peculiar traits, his strengths and weaknesses, and work from that viewpoint. Pray to God for wisdom that you may well discharge the awesome responsibility that is yours, for the future of your child, of your world, and of yourself, may well turn on how you discharge this responsibility.

Do not cripple a child with that awful distorted "smother" love which unnaturally shields the child from life's bumps, grinds and disappointments. Do not think your little angel could not lie or do wrong. There is a great effort underway to destroy the very idea of individual responsibility. But you are responsible as a parent. Attempted avoidance of responsibility is behind the "permissiveness" movement, the idea of "non-involvement," the doctrine that "society made you a criminal," and "God is dead," and all the rest of the crackpot ideas that shame our age. You do not love your child when you fail to correct. You love yourself! The wise man wrote, "He that spares the rod hates the child; but he that loves him, is diligent to chasten him betimes." (Proverbs 13:24)

Parents, do remember this! Your children are your responsibility and trust. And if parents are not going to take enough time, and show enough interest, and assume enough responsibility, perhaps it would be the part of wisdom to admit lack of concern and put them out for adoption to someone who would care enough to love and train them.

PAGE 5 OF TRAINING CHILDREN IN THE HOME

HOME