Progress and Achievements of the Colored People: Containing the Story of the Wonderful Advancement of the Colored Americans—the Most Marvelous in the History of Nations—Their Past Accomplishments, Together With Their Present-day Opportunities and a Glimpse Into the Future for Further Developments—the Dawn of a Triumphant Era. A Handbook for Self-improvement Which Leads to Greater Success
John Stuart Mill · en
Let the children share in the duties of the home. Even while very young
there are many steps that a child may save the mother. Let them do the
little things, such as bringing mother’s work basket or having something
ready for father’s comfort when he comes home from the day’s work and
care. Gradually, as they grow, let the tasks gently shift over to the
young shoulders. It results by so doing in the mother always finding
time to be the companion of her husband and children—and that they will
appreciate.
The prospective and nursing mother should receive especial
consideration. It should be known and recognized that her requirements
for wholesome food, and above all wholesome surroundings, are necessary
for the normal development of her child and for her own physical safety.
How can she,—perhaps already a mother of several children, have the
needed rest and time to read or walk in the fresh air, unless the family
co-operate with her? It is so easy for the husband to direct the
children at these times and at all times, as to the care the mother is
deserving. We know a gentleman who, as a judge, has never had his
opinion on legal questions reversed, would commonly, after dinner, when
there was no help in the house, lead his wife to an easy chair,
affectionately express his and the family’s appreciation of the fine
dinner that they had all enjoyed and turning to their son, would say:
“Come, son, we must wash the dishes; we would not be very appreciative
were we to permit mother to work longer today.” Some would say that such
work is not in keeping with his august position. Be that as it may, one
fact remains: He has taught his children to care for their mother in
such a way that there will never arise any questions as to her position
or her rights.
COURTESIES DUE THE MOTHER
In this same manner the children can be taught that mother will remain
happier and younger if she is given the assurance of their love and
thoughtfulness by the occasional remembrance of a desirable gift, a
book, or a pretty bouquet of flowers. They may be wild flowers, gathered
by your own hands. So much the better. The little gifts of labor are so
much the sweeter. Then there is mother’s birthday to be remembered by
little offerings of love from the family. They do not remind her of
advancing years, but count each year a pearl; each pearl a prize. On her
wedding anniversary the husband brings to his sweetheart wife some gift
as a lover’s token. So as time passes, each year the vows of their youth
are renewed and the bonds between them sustained.
The most practical appreciation of love and worth that a woman may show
her husband—the provider of her family—is the careful consideration of
the best interest of the family. Eventually the man who receives such
sympathy and help will find his life being purified and strengthened.
MOTHER SHOULD BE CONFIDED IN