Arbor Day Celebration in Dunedin

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26853, 18 August 1948, Page 6

Arbor Day Celebration in Dunedin

HOME SECURITY

BRINGING UP CHILDREN IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS TRAINING Only if parents themselves felt security in God could they transmit that sense of security to their children. This involved religious training in the home in the form of Biblical stories and family prayers. Christian homes were the foundation of both church and nation, and the glory of God, said the Rev. S. C. .Francis, in a talk on “ How to Bring Up the Family,” given to a large audience at the Home and Family Week exhibition in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last night. “As a father of five children I have at least some of the practical experience necessary to give a talk on this subject,” he said. “To have five children is considered a large family in New Zealand to-day, where the average number in each family is about two. although four are required to maintain the poulation. In up a family the indirect and unconscious influences are of great importance. Both parents should work together, and always try to present a united front to their children.” This relationship between husband and wife was fundamental in the home. Children would suffer if the parents did not have common interests and mutual affection for each other. Actions spoke louder than words. A second imoortant family relationship was that between parents and their children, who should be encouraged to make their own individual contributions to the family as distinct personalities. Each child was a separate personality, with certain inherited tendencies, so that there should be no favourites.

“ Brothers and sisters in the home present the most valuable education of all. In the home children learn from each other very valuable facts about physical life, about sharing gifts, and healthy criticism. They learn there that the most priceless treasures in life cannot be bought with money.”

There were three things which the home should provide for the children in it, a sense of security, without discouraging freedom, opportunities to take some risks, and sound moral authority, without completely dominating the child. Punishment should never be given in anger, but as a corrective measure without being unduly severe or prolonged. It should also fit the crime wherever possible. “Are we not all children, although some of us may be a little more developed than others? ” concluded the speaker. “We are living, in a very uncertain world, and all need some security. Some try to find it in possessions, and others in family and friends, but the only ultimate security is in tne love of God.”