Page:The physical training of children (IA 39002011126464.med.yale.edu).pdf/157

 his attention to some pleasing object. This may be done without spoiling him. Do not combat bad temper with bad temper—noise with noise. Be firm, be kind, be gentle, be loving, speak quietly, smile tenderly, and embrace him fondly, but insist upon implicit obedience, and you will have, with God's blessing, a happy child: "But we were gentle among you, even as a woman cherisheth her children."—I. Thess. ii. 7.

"When a little child is weak, From fever passing by, Or wearied out with restlessness.  Don't scold him if he cry.

Tell him some pretty story— Don't read it from a book; He likes to watch you while you speak, And take in every look.

Or sometimes singing gently— A little song may please, With quiet and amusing words, And tune that flows with ease.

Or if he is impatient, Perhaps from time to time A simple hymn may suit the best, In short and easy rhyme.

The measured verses flowing In accents clear and mild, May blend into his troubled thought, And soothe the little child,

But let the words be simple, And suited to his mind, And loving, that his weary heart A resting-place may find."

Speak gently to a child; speak gently to all; but more especially speak gently to a child. "A gentle voice is an excellent thing in woman," and is a jewel of great price,