From Golden Thoughts on Mother, Home, and Heaven

Mothers, Put Your Children to Bed!

There may be some mothers who feel it to be a self-denial to leave their parlors, or firesides, or work, to put their children to bed. They think that the nurse could do just as well: that it is of no consequence who “hears the children say their prayers.” Now, setting aside the pleasure of opening up the little bed and tucking the darling up, there are really important reasons why the mother should not yield this privilege to any one. In the first place, it is the time of all times when a child is inclined to show confidence and affection. All little secrets come out with more truth and less restraints: naughtiness through the day can be reproved and talked over with less excitement, and with the tenderness and calmness necessary to make a permanent impression. If the little one has shown a desire to do well and be obedient, efforts and success can be acknowledged and commended in a manner that need not render the child to be vain or self-satisfied.

We must make it a habit to talk to our children, in order to get from them an expression of their feelings. We cannot undersand the character of these little beings commited to our care unless we do. And if we do not know what they are, we shall not be able to govern them wisely, or educate them as their different natures demand. Certainly it would be unwise to excite young children by too much conversation with them just before putting them to bed.

Every mother who carefully studies the temperament of her children will know how to manage them in this respect. But of this all mothers may be assured, that the last words at night are of great importance, even to the babies of the flock; the very tones of the voice they hear make an impression upon their sensitive organizations. Mothers, do not think the time and strength wasted which you spend in reviewing the day with your little boy or girl; do not neglect to teach how to pray, and pray for the child in simple and earnest language which can be understood. Soothe and quiet the little heart after the experiences of the day. The little one has had disappointments and trials as well as play and pleasures and is ready to throw his/her arms around your neck and take a good-night kiss.