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.