Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 280, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1912 — Home Influence Upon Child [ARTICLE]

Home Influence Upon Child

Thought From Jane Addams Which Demonstrates Its Lasting Effect Is Worth Consideration. A mother croons an old-time song as she toils. A father speaks kindly as home from work he crosses the threshold which leads to wife and rest from labor. The child —the stepping stone between mother and father, the connecting link —hears both song and gentle word. The father, still toil stained, whether he comes from field or shop, stoops to kiss the mother, also toil stained. He speaks softly, mayhap: “Howdy, sweetheart; glad to be home again." She turns a Bweat-marked face up to his, in farmhouse or tenement, and answers: “I’m glad to have you home." Of all this the child is the witness. Things of the world are yet new and strange to it Mysteries still confront it. Guiding stars it is searching for, and 10, in the very greetings of mother and father, in their own loving attitude toward each other, this undeveloped life finds a star. Such is the Influence of environment of two personalities —that of father and mother —upon the questioning child, blood of their blood and

flesh of their flesh. How powerful, how everlasting, when between mother and father, patience, self-considera-tion, forbearance and forgiving are always kept uppermost in the mind! If, on the other hand, the child must see in daily home life impatience, selfishness; hear hasty or angry words, from those whom it knows long before It understands the law of city, county, state, or nation, what contempt must naturally grow in fts heart for those things that make for the best of life — law and order, gentleness of speech, regard and love for others, trustfulness and hopefulness. The personal home environment of a child has mucfr to do with its future state of mind as to respect for work, law and humanity.