'' Self-will is the root of all sin and misery,'' wrote Susanna Wesley, who from their babyhood put her children into a regular routine. To insure a calm,quite household,she taught them to cry softly, children ate what they were given at meals, were allowed nothing between,and went to bed at night at eight except in cause of sickness, when they were expected to take medicine with out complaint. Here are some of Susanna,s other rules for child training. Though two hundred years old, many of them could serve as a guide for modern Christian Mothers today !
1. To prevent lying, do not punish a child who confesses his fault and promises to amend.
2.No sinful act should pass un punished.
3.No child should be punished twice for the same fault,and he should not be upbraided with it afterwards.
4.Obedience should be commended and rewarded.
5.Any effort to please, even if badley performed , should be commended.
6.Allow no one to take property from the owner, though it were the value of a pin, with out his consent.
7.Strictly observe promises, and leave a gift once given, to the the disposal of him to whom it was given, unless it were conditional and the condition not observed.
8. Require no girl to work until she can read very well.
9. Teach the Lords Prayer as soon as the child can speak.
10.Require all to be still at family prayers.
11. Give them nothing they cry for,and only that which they ask for politely.
12. Subdue self-will in a child so as to work with God in renewing and saving his soul.
_ Susannah Wesley . i do not agree with all , but with some, thought it was of interest,
They did have well behave children back then, and they did Honor their mom and Dad! when rules were inforced .