Do we spoil our children today?

The Penny Magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge By Charles Knight, Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. 1832  

 

From the Frugal Housewife.

 

In early childhood you lay the foundation of poverty or riches, in the habits you give your children.  Teach them to save everything, -   not for their own use, for this would make them selfish - but for some use. Teach them to share everything with their playmates; but never allow them to destroy anything.

I once visited a family where the most exact economy was observed; yet nothing was mean or uncomfortable. It is the character of true economy to be as comfortable with a little, as others can be with much. In this family, when the father brought home a package, the older children would, of their own accord, put away the paper and twine neatly, instead of throwing them in the fire, or tearing them to pieces. If the little ones want a piece of twine to play scratch-cradle, or spin a top, there it was in readiness; and when they threw it upon the floor, the older children did not need to be told to put it again in its place.