" Yet, on the other hand, in the language of Dr.
Bell, "a maximum of attainment can be made only by a minimum of
punishment."
In the discipline of home, whether by guidance or by forcing, whether by
the rein or the rod, much depends upon the manner in which it is
administered. It should always be adapted to the peculiar character and
offense of the child. You can restrain some children better by kind words
and promises than by rough admonitions and threats. Study, therefore, the
peculiarities of your child, and prudently apportion the correction to the
offense. If there are sincere penitence and confession, the correction
should be purely moral. Let the object of every correction be to produce
penitence and reformation of heart as well as of conduct, and a hatred of
the offense. Always execute your threats and fulfill your promises at the
time and on the occasion designated. Threaten as little as possible, and be
not hasty in your threats. Treat your children as rational and moral
beings:
"Be obeyed when thou commandest, but command not often;
Spare not, if thy word hath passed for punishment;
Let not thy child see thee humbled, nor learn to think thee
false."
Always examine the offense before you punish. See whether it is of
ignorance or not,--whether of the head or the heart,--whether intentional
or accidental. Examine his motives in committing the offense.
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