Part 2

[4] In order to induce children to take their food, some persons are apt to say, "Come, my dear, make haste, or brother (or sister) shall have it! no, no, brother! you shall not have it!" Now every expression of this kind will infallibly create selfishness and greediness. A mode of conduct directly opposite should be enforced; that children may be taught to find their chief happiness in promoting the pleasure of their brothers and sisters, even by the sacrifice of their own.

NURSE'S THIRD TALE, ABOUT A LITTLE BOY WHO WAS AFRAID IN THE DARK.

Young Andrew Fearful was a child Most pleasing to behold, His temper was so sweet and mild, And he was four years old.

But one sad failing Andrew had, Tho' gay as any lark, With scarce one habit that was bad, He did not like the dark.

As soon as candlelight appear'd On evening fireside table, To walk about he scarcely dared, Though he was strong and able.

And shadows flitting on the wall, Made Andrew jump and stare; He thought some mischief would befall With such great monsters there.

Mamma, in many a pleasant way, Contriv'd the help he needed; And glad I am that I can say, Her care at last succeeded.

She took him to a room quite dark, And led him by the hand To some known object, as a mark, And then they both would stand.

The room shut in, without a light, He did not much enjoy, And Andrew fear'd to step aright; So foolish was this boy.

But growing bolder, he would try The furniture to handle; And Andrew, _fearless_ by and by, Scarce wish'd to have a candle,

Mamma, a paper nicely tied. Would place behind the curtain, With figs, or Pomfret cakes, supplied, And then the joy was certain.

The shadows which he used to fear, Became his great delight; With joy mamma beheld her dear So pleas'd with candlelight.

Thus many a pleasant hour beguil'd, Young Andrew's courage grew; Mamma was happier in her child, And he was happier too.

NOTE. Nurses are not sufficiently aware of the importance of guarding against early impressions of fear. In this respect, as in many others, it is much easier to prevent a bad habit, than to cure one. Too much care and tenderness of feeling cannot be used towards those children who have unfortunately imbibed a fear of the dark; yet, on the other hand, judicious care should be exercised, that the habit may not be fostered by over-indulgence.

NURSE'S REFLECTIONS ON THE ADVANTAGES OF TRUTH & SINCERITY.

If children are taught the whole lesson of truth, "'Twill bud in their childhood, and blossom in youth." This maxim I learnt from the pen of a sage, Whose vigor of mind was still green in old age: And much do I wish that my charge may be found On that ladder of learning where Truth is the ground; The foundation so broad makes the ladder stand even; And Truth's certain steps lead with safety to Heaven. Then, first, I'll be careful what language I use, That simple chaste words may express all my views: I'll watch o'er my actions with studious aim, That I may not, in future, deserve any blame; That bad habits may not from my errors proceed, Or my fair little plants be o'ergrown with a weed, My word and my promise shall always abide. And Truth and Sincerity sit side by side. Should I promise a thing which I do not perform, I lay the foundation for much future harm: If children learn falsehood from nurses or mothers, When grown up they will practise deceit upon others. Then nought but the truth to my child shall be spoken: If I once make a promise, it _shall not be broken_.[5] As the best thing of all, I will constantly try To watch over _myself_ with a vigilant eye; My passions and faults so to mend or remove, That all may be lost in obedience and love; That, in practice, I never may knowingly swerve, From the wishes of those whom I honour and serve: But with eye _singly fix'd_, to my duty inclin'd, Let me show forth a meek and a teachable mind; On reproof or instruction not daring to trample, May I always remember the _force of example_!

[5] Nurses should also be very cautious how they use threats to children. If they threaten to tell Mamma any thing, or to withhold any indulgence in case of naughtiness, let it be strictly attended to. If it be _not_ attended to, children are great observers, and will soon find that but little regard is paid to truth; and thus incalculable evils may be the result. Some nurses, and even mothers, are apt to bribe their children in this way: "If my dear will do this, I'll give him a sugar-plum;" or, "Will he do so or so, if I give him a sugar-plum?" thus bringing down the standard of parental authority to the petulance or caprice of the child.--Can obedience ever be expected from one whose self-will is thus nurtured? Surely it must be from want of reflection, that mothers entail so much trouble upon themselves and their children!

FINIS.

J. May, Printer, &c. Dover.

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TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:

Obvious printer errors have been corrected. Otherwise, the author's original spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been left intact.