th all spiritual zeal must ye gather in that enlightened assemblage
and recite the Holy Writings and engage in remembering the Lord. Set ye
forth His arguments and proofs. Work ye for the guidance of the women in
that land, teach the young girls and the children, so that the mothers may
educate their little ones from their earliest days, thoroughly train them,
rear them to have a goodly character and good morals, guide them to all
the virtues of humankind, prevent the development of any behaviour that
would be worthy of blame, and foster them in the embrace of Baha'i
education. Thus shall these tender infants be nurtured at the breast of
the knowledge of God and His love. Thus shall they grow and flourish, and
be taught righteousness and the dignity of humankind, resolution and the
will to strive and to endure. Thus shall they learn perseverance in all
things, the will to advance, high-mindedness and high resolve, chastity
and purity of life. Thus shall they be enabled to carry to a successful
conclusion whatsoever they undertake.

Let the mothers consider that whatever concerneth the education of
children is of the first importance. Let them put forth every effort in
this regard, for when the bough is green and tender it will grow in
whatever way ye train it. Therefore is it incumbent upon the mothers to
rear their little ones even as a gardener tendeth his young plants. Let
them strive by day and by night to establish within their children faith
and certitude, the fear of God, the love of the Beloved of the worlds, and
all good qualities and traits. Whensoever a mother seeth that her child
hath done well, let her praise and applaud him and cheer his heart; and if
the slightest undesirable trait should manifest itself, let her counsel
the child and punish him, and use means based on reason, even a slight
verbal chastisement should this be necessary. It is not, however,
permissible to strike a child, or vilify him, for the child's character
will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or verbal abuse.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 95, pp. 124-25) [89]

"90: ... O maid-servants of the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to
train..."

... O maid-servants of the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to train the
children from their earliest babyhood! It is incumbent upon you to
beautify their morals! It is incumbent upon you to attend to them under
all aspects and circumstances, inas