PARENTS WORK MUST BEGIN IN ITS INFANCY

 PARENTS WORK MUST BEGIN IN ITS INFANCY

In 1881 Ellen White wrote that the “parents’ work must begin with the child in its infancy.” “The Parent’s Work”, Review and Herald , August 30 1881,

In the children committed to her care, every mother has a sacred charge from God. “Take this son, this daughter,” He says; “train it for Me; give it a character ‘polished after the similitude of a palace,’ that it may shine in the courts of the Lord forever.” . . .

There is a God above, and the light and glory from His throne rests upon the faithful mother as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. No other work can equal hers in importance. . . .

Parents should “properly discipline . . . children during the first three years of their lives. Do not allow them to form their wishes and desires. The mother must be mind for her child. The first three years is the time in which to bend the tiny twig. ”Manuscript 64, 1899 in Mind, Character and Personality, 2 Vols.

The Importance of the First Three Years of Life—Mothers, be sure that you properly discipline your children during the first three years of their lives. Do not allow them to form their wishes and desires. The mother must be mind for her child. The first three years is the time in which to bend the tiny twig. Mothers should understand the importance attaching to this period. It is then that the foundation is laid.—Manuscript 64, 1899. (Child Guidance, 194.) 

In the overall training of the child, in areas beyond discipline, Ellen White is also emphatic: “It is during the first years of 3 child’s life that his mind is most susceptible to impressions either good or evil. During these years decided progress is made in either a right direction or a wrong one. ” Review and Herald, January 23, 1913 par. 2

The First Seven Years Have Much to Do With Character Formation—Too much importance cannot be placed on the early training of children. The lessons that the child learns during the first seven years of life have more to do with forming his character than all that it learns in future years.—Manuscript 2, 1903. (Child Guidance, 193.) 

First Lessons Are Seldom Forgotten—Neither infants, children, or youth should hear an impatient word from father, mother, or any member of the household; for they receive impressions very early in life, and what parents make them today, they will be tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. The first lessons impressed upon the child are seldom forgotten.... The impressions made on the heart early in life are seen in after years. They may be buried, but they will seldom be obliterated.(wipe out) Manuscript 57, 1897. (Child Guidance, 193, 194.) 

Parents, especially mothers, should be the only teachers of such infant minds. They should not educate from books. The children generally will be inquisitive to learn the things of nature. They will ask questions in regard to the things they see and hear, and parents should improve the opportunity to instruct and patiently answer these little inquiries. They can in this manner get the advantage of the enemy and fortify the minds of their children by sowing good seed in their hearts, leaving no room for the bad to take root. The mother's loving instructions at a tender age is what is needed by children in the formation of character.—Healthful Living, 44 (Part 2) . (Selected Messages 2:437.) 

Habits Are Seldom Changed in Later Life—What the child sees and hears is drawing deep lines upon the tender mind, which no after circumstances in life can entirely efface. The intellect is now taking shape and the affections receiving direction and strength. Repeated acts in a given course become habits. These may be modified by severe training, in afterlife, but are seldom changed.—Good Health, January, 1880. (Child Guidance, 199, 200.) 

Special Care for First Child—The first child especially should be trained with great care, for he will educate the rest. Children grow according to the influence of those who surround them. If they are handled by those who are noisy and boisterous, they become noisy and almost unbearable.—Manuscript 64, 1899. (Child Guidance, 27.) 

Healing Influence of Kindness—Under the influence of meekness, kindness, and gentleness, an atmosphere is created that will heal and not destroy.—Letter 320, 1906 (My Life Today, 152.)

CHILDREN:

Children are the heritage of the Lord, and we are answerable to Him for our management of His property.... In love, faith, and prayer let parents work for their households, until with joy they can come to God saying, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me.” AH 159.2

Mothers, do not forget that God requires you to give your children constant, loving care. He does not want you to be a slave to your children, but He does want you to teach them to live for Him. Day by day give them lessons that will prepare them for future usefulness.

One lesson that you will have to repeat over and over again is the lesson of obedience. Teach your children that they are not to rule, that they are to respect your wishes, and yield to your authority. Thus you are teaching them self-control. . . .

The work of the mother who has a close connection with Christ is of infinite worth. Her ministry of love makes the home a Bethel. Christ works with her, turning the common water of life into the wine of heaven. In Review and Herald, Jan. 24, 1907

When children love and repose confidence in their mother, and have become obedient to her, they have been taught the first lessons in becoming Christians. . . .

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Prov. 31:26, KJV.

Whenever the mother can speak a word of commendation for the good conduct of her children, she should do so. She should encourage them by words of approval and looks of love. These will be as sunshine to the heart of a child and will lead to the cultivation of self-respect and pride of character. . . .

Children have sensitive, loving natures. They are easily pleased and easily made unhappy. By gentle discipline in loving words and acts, mothers may bind their children to their hearts. To manifest severity and to be exacting with children are great mistakes. Uniform firmness and unimpassioned control are necessary to the discipline of every family. Say what you mean calmly, move with consideration, and carry out what you say without deviation. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 532.

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13, NIV.

By gentleness and patience, seek to win your children from wrong. Seek God for wisdom to train them so that they will love you and love God. When it is necessary to refuse them their desires, show them kindly that in doing this you are seeking their highest good.

Love and cherish your children; but do not allow them to follow their own way, for this is the curse of the age in which we live. Show them where they make mistakes, and teach them that if they do not correct these wrongs, they can never be given a place in the mansions that Jesus is preparing for those who love Him. In this way you will retain their love and confidence. In Signs of the Times, Nov. 14, 1911.