The value of a praying mother eBook

Above all else, keep the confidence of your child, so that he will come to you with every trouble of life.  Confidence of children in their parents is a gift from God.  All children have it at first.  See the tottering baby cling to its mother for support; watch it run to her when it is frightened.  Can it not have the same confidence when it is older?  I answer from experience that it can and should.  Truth inspires trust in your child.  If you do not think it best to answer all his questions fully at the time when he asks them, tell him at least enough to satisfy his curiosity, and promise him that, if this remains a secret between you and him, he may come to you whenever he wants more information.  Do not be afraid of having secrets with your child.  The matter may be trifling, but the fact that he is helping you to keep secrets will teach him to value his word and will increase his confidence in you.  On the other hand, if you tell him an untruth, do not think that he will come to you again.  No, he will doubtless go to some friend who he thinks will tell him, and thus get his young mind tainted with impure thoughts.  And little better in results than telling an untruth is putting the child off till some future time.  These questions must be met when they arrive.

You may say, “I don’t know how much to tell at any one time.”  Wisdom is necessary here.  No more should be told than will satisfy the present curiosity of the child.  A few questions on your part will readily discover what information he has gained and how much he wishes to know.

A boy of scarce six summers once came to his mother with a question of life.  The mother was shocked; but, offering an earnest prayer for wisdom, she questioned the child and found that he had heard remarks made by older boys.  As his mind was developed enough to comprehend part of their conversation, his curiosity was aroused.  Having perfect confidence in his mother, he had sought her for an explanation of the points that perplexed him.  As simply as possible, that mother gave the information, ending with the words, “Now, darling, this is to be a perfect secret between us; and when you are old enough, I will tell you more.”  Years passed by until the boy was in his eleventh year; then he once more went to his mother for information.  “Mama,” he began, “do you remember the time you told me a secret?” She answered that she did, and he continued:  “Well, I have kept that secret.  I have never mentioned it to any one.  And do you remember that you said some time you would tell me more?” When she answered, “Yes,” he said quickly, “Don’t you think I’m old enough now?” In answer, the mother put her arms about him and said, “My son, you shall hear all you wish to hear.  What is it, dear?” Then as each question came, she gave him a satisfactory answer, and ended by saying, “Whenever you want to know more, come to me, and I will tell you.”  That boy continued to go to his mother; and when he entered the most trying period of his life, her advice kept him from the dangers into which so many fall.  In hours of trial she was able to point him to the Savior.  Never neglect the duty of warning your child of danger.