Every child is born with that interior something
which when developed
can produce remarkable ability, extraordinary talent and rare genius.
If the child mind is sensitive,
it is evident that there is greatness there
To build strength and character in the young mind,
we must fill that mind constantly with thoughts
of virtue, purity, goodness, truth, beauty and aspiration,
and we must avoid absolutely everything
that tend to produce adverse impressions.
To be strictly correct in conversation with the child
every sentence should be studied before it is uttered,
not only in answering their strange questions,
but also in correcting their tendencies to do
what is not conducive to their welfare.
We may talk to a child in about the same way
that we would talk in a scientific or ideal manner to another adult
only using more simplicity in our language.
The average child can understand almost anything
if spoken to in a language with which it is familiar.
Tell the child in the most positive manner that he can understand
the answer to all his questions.
Encourage him to ask about anything that may arise in his own thoughts.
Give him something to think about on the great subject of possibilities.
Encourage him to think more and more about the wonders of his own life.
Explain to him the greater possibilities that exist within him.
Tell him what he has the power to do.
Teach the child that his life is a power in the world.
Let him feel that there is something exceptional within him
what will be of great value, not only to himself, but to the entire race.
He will soon begin to feel responsibility and will wish to know
how best to carry out the purpose of his life.
Give an upward tendency to all that you say to the child,
and give him an opportunity to enquire
into all the vast domains of nature, visible or invisible.
Help him to develop unbounded faith in that higher power within.
Tell the child what should be done and why.
Never tell a child to do thus and so
without giving a good, sound, logical reason.
And no person should ever be commanded; the child least of all.
Say nothing that will make him feel that he is inferior or limited,
or in any way depraved in character.
We should never impress inferiority upon the mind of any child,
for of all impressions, this to avoided with the greatest of care.
The principal idea in all child training
is to keep the superior in the foreground,
and to forget as far as possible the weak elements in his nature.
Help him to overcome his weakness
but constantly emphasizing his real strength and his real worth.
