Be charitable to your children in regard to their faults and failings, so that they may learn by your example to be charitable to each other and to their fellows.  Teach them the blessings that charity will bring to them; show them that it is the greatest of God’s gifts and that without it they will meet many buffetings from their contact with the world.  Remember that Paul speaks of it as “the more excellent way” and admonishes us to desire it above all things else.

Children must have entertainment.  Rich and costly furniture, elaborate parties, or even guests are not necessary.  Children may be entertained in a very simple manner.  What child does not enjoy the old-fashioned game of hide-and-seek, tag, or some such innocent amusement with Papa and Mama?  It may take a little of your time, but what of that?  Do all you can to make your home the happiest place on earth for your children.

“Yes,” says one, “that will do while the children are little; but just wait until they grow up, and then they will seek other company.”  I did not say that they must always stay with you.  Of course they will desire to go from home sometimes.  What I mean is that we can make home so attractive that they will note the difference between it and the outside world.  The interest we take in them will constrain them to remain at home and to return when away from it.  Home!  Oh that beautiful word!  Poets have written about it, choirs have sung about it, but who can fathom the meaning of that little word, home!  None but the child who has been taught to revere, cherish, and enjoy it, and then looking back remembers the happy years spent in the home circle.

I think that I hear a father say, “When I return from my work, I am so tired I can not stand the children’s noise.”  Is that so?  Do you not love your children, and are you not working for their welfare!  If so, do you not think that a little less labor with your hands and a little time spent with them would be more profitable?  Perhaps a little romp or chat with them would rest you.  Try it anyway.  You who are desk workers can afford it:  it will help you to cast off the responsibilities of the day and the better prepare you for the morrow.  A romp with the children is not lost; but, on the other hand, is a benefit for both parent and child.  Thoughtful parents can think of many things that will increase the interest in home and will draw them closer to their children.

Sometimes it is good for the children to visit their friends, but parents should always be acquainted with these friends.  Never let your child go where games are played that you would not allow played in your own home.  Here is where conscience and confidence will help you.  Be cautious about allowing your child to go somewhere to stay all night.  In this way many a child has learned evil practises and in some cases been ruined.  Then, too, it draws his mind away from the home circle.