Rules for training children
(Susanna Wesley)
Susanna Wesley was the mother
of John and Charles Wesley--
and 17 other children. Here are some
simple rules which she used in training
her children for GOD:
1. Eating between meals is not allowed.
2. Children are to be in bed by 8 p.m.
3. Children are required to take
medicine without complaining.
4. Teach children to fear
the 'rod of correction'.
5. Teach children to pray
as soon as they can speak.
6. Require all children to be
still during family worship.
7. Give children nothing that
they cry for. Only grant their
wishes when asked for politely.
8. Parents should not punish any
fault which is first confessed and
repented of. This will prevent
lying in children.
9. Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished.
(Susanna Wesley)
Susanna Wesley was the mother
of John and Charles Wesley--
and 17 other children. Here are some
simple rules which she used in training
her children for GOD:
1. Eating between meals is not allowed.
2. Children are to be in bed by 8 p.m.
3. Children are required to take
medicine without complaining.
4. Teach children to fear
the 'rod of correction'.
5. Teach children to pray
as soon as they can speak.
6. Require all children to be
still during family worship.
7. Give children nothing that
they cry for. Only grant their
wishes when asked for politely.
8. Parents should not punish any
fault which is first confessed and
repented of. This will prevent
lying in children.
9. Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished.
10. Commend and reward good behavior.
Any attempt to please, even if poorly
performed, should be commended.
11. Strictly keep all promises to children.
12. Parents are to subdue self-will
in every child. When the will of a child
is totally subdued, and it is brought to
revere and stand in awe of the parents--
then a great many childish follies may
be passed by.
I insist on the conquering of the will
of children early, because this is the only
strong and rational foundation of a religious
education. When this is thoroughly done,
then a child is capable of being governed
by reason and piety.
Any attempt to please, even if poorly
performed, should be commended.
11. Strictly keep all promises to children.
12. Parents are to subdue self-will
in every child. When the will of a child
is totally subdued, and it is brought to
revere and stand in awe of the parents--
then a great many childish follies may
be passed by.
I insist on the conquering of the will
of children early, because this is the only
strong and rational foundation of a religious
education. When this is thoroughly done,
then a child is capable of being governed
by reason and piety.
"The silent influence of parental conduct
is far greater, either for good or for evil,
than most parents are aware of.
You teach by what you say, you influence
by what you do; and also by what you do not
say, and do not perform." J.A. James
"O parents, parents! Take care what you
are teaching your children by your example.
You are always influencing them for good--
or evil. You are leading them to Heaven--
or to Hell. Not a day passes, but you
produce impressions, perhaps
permanent impressions--
either good or bad!" James Smith
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