Page 19 - Instruction for Parents.pdf

An Unhappy Child

the answer or information is poor – whether she is honest. An
answer or a discussion does not always have to follow at the
same instant. You should also make it clear to the child that
right now is the most inconvenient moment – that there is
more time and rest to go into his questions when the work is
done. That is how the child learns: patience, understanding
and empathy. If these virtues are not demonstrated to the
child by a living example and put into his heart, he may easily
become a tyrant. Children copy their parents.

It is normal for a child to try how far he can go. Even the baby
cries whenever he is craving nourishment or affection. In such
a case, the mother – of course the father as well – must not al-
ways immediately give in and jump towards him, but should
set certain times at which the child is nourished or also has to
stay alone in his little bed for a while. This costs the parents
quite a lot of self-control, I know from my own experience. But
especially at this tender age the child already learns in this way
to break away from selfishness and to adapt himself, which
will make many things easier for him in later life.

We adults sometimes need time to get over something. It is
the same with the child. – Give him time to digest his anger. Of
course, also in this case the child must be taught with patience
and love that he may not unleash his anger on his siblings, ani-
mals or pieces of furniture. He must learn self- control, de-
cency and correctness as well. Kind words of encouragement
and explanation are so important. How often are the words
just thrown at the child – as you throw a bone at a dog, grossly,
even brutally. It grieves the child (I always refer to great and
small children). The delicately strung soul feels well enough –
clear and fine, but cannot usually express himself – or is not al-
lowed to, or else he risks a smack on the mouth.Mother, pray
daily for the necessary strength, rest and patience, also for the
proper vocabulary. Apart from your housework, your day’s

18