nners and obedience. The child
that whines, interrupts, fusses, fidgets, and does nothing that it is told
to do, has not the least power of attraction for any one, even though it
may have the features of an angel and be dressed like a picture. Another
that may have no claim to beauty whatever, but that is sweet and nicely
behaved, exerts charm over every one.

When possible, a child should be taken away the instant it becomes
disobedient. It soon learns that it can not "stay with mother" unless it
is well-behaved. This means that it learns self-control in babyhood. Not
only must children obey, but they must never be allowed to "show off" or
become pert, or to contradict or to answer back; and after having been
told "no," they must never be allowed by persistent nagging to win "yes."

A child that loses its temper, that teases, that is petulant and
disobedient, and a nuisance to everybody, is merely a victim, poor little
thing, of parents who have been too incompetent or negligent to train it
to obedience. Moreover, that same child when grown will be the first to
resent and blame the mother's mistaken "spoiling" and lack of good sense.

=FAIR PLAY=

Nothing appeals to children more than justice, and they should be taught
in the nursery to "play fair" in games, to respect each other's property
and rights, to give credit to others, and not to take too much credit to
themselves. Every child must be taught never to draw attention to the
meagre possessions of another child whose parents are not as well off as
her own. A purse-proud, overbearing child who says to a playmate, "My
clothes were all made in Paris, and my doll is ever so much handsomer than
yours," or "Is that real lace on your collar?" is not impressing her young
friend with her grandeur and discrimination but with her disagreeableness
and rudeness. A boy who brags about what he has, and boasts of what he can
do, is only less objectionable because other boys are sure to "take it out
of him" promptly and thoroughly! Nor should a bright, observing child be
encouraged to pick out other people's failings, or to tell her mother how
inferior other children are compared with herself. If she wins a race or a
medal or is praised, she naturally tells her mother, and her mother
naturally rejoices with her, and it is proper that she should; but a wise
mother directs her child's mental attitude to appreciate the fact that
arrogance, selfishness and conceit can win no place