(Editor’s note:The following remarks to mothers would apply no less to fathers, though we believe that generally the mother exerts the greater influence of the two upon the children.)

No one can adequately estimate a mother’s influence in the household and over her children either for good or ill. It has been said that the first book every child reads, and the last to be laid aside, is the conduct of its mother.

The mother will feel her need of private prayer that God may give her daily wisdom, so that by words, by example, and by the whole current of her life she may be a model of what she would wish her children to be. Nor will she fail to arrange the affairs of the household that the reading of the Scriptures and family prayer will not fall through for want of time. Even where there is great rush and pressure a little method can do much. A few minutes spent together in the sanctuary of God’s presence may yield gracious help all the day.

A wise mother will be careful not to give her children thoughtless commands, but when a command is given she will kindly but firmly insist on prompt obedience. She will not hastily threaten, as some mothers are apt to do, but first ask herself whether she intends to carry out her threat if disobeyed. If not, she will see it to be a thousand times better not to threaten at all.

A sensible mother will never correct her child until she is sure the child deserves correction. The child’s story will first be heard_the whole of it_and if scolding is needed the scolding will be given, but not in the presence of others, if it can be helped. Nor should a child ever be deceived, and when a promise is made it should be faithfully kept.

There are many worries, cares, and anxieties in a mother’s life that are not always sufficiently considered, and which even the husband and father knows nothing of. A little sympathy or an appreciative word by the husband will sometimes do wonders. But the well-being of the family largely depends on God’s order being recognized. He speaks in His Word of wives and husband, children and parents, servants and masters, and tells us what is right and proper for each (Eph. 5:22-6:9). If the directions of God are followed, then His glory and our happiness are secured; but if unheeded, we need not wonder if many things go wrong.