Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

considerations than the happiness and health of her children.
In the preparation of the baby's wardrobe, convenience, comfort, and
health should be sought before fashion or a desire to excite admiration. The
mother should not spend time in embroidery and fancywork to make the little
garments beautiful, thus taxing herself with unnecessary labor at the expense
of her own health and the health of her child. She should not bend over
sewing that severely taxes eyes and nerves, at a time when she needs much
rest and pleasant exercise. She should realize her obligation to cherish her
strength, that she may be able to meet the demands that will be made upon
her.
Need of Self-Control in Child Discipline
In the training of a child there are times when the firm, matured will of
the mother meets the unreasoning, undisciplined will of the child. At such
times there is need of great wisdom on the part of the mother. By unwise
management, by stern compulsion, great harm may be done the child.
Whenever possible, this crisis should be avoided; for it means a severe
struggle for both mother and child. But once such a crisis is entered into, the
child must be led to yield its will to the wiser will of the parent.
The mother should keep herself under perfect control, doing nothing that
will arouse in the child a spirit of defiance. She is to give no loud-voiced
commands. She will gain much by keeping the voice low and gentle. She is
to deal with the child in a way that will draw him to Jesus. She is to realize
that God is her Helper; love, her power.
If she is a wise Christian she does not attempt to force the child to
submit. She prays earnestly that the enemy shall not obtain the victory, and,
as she prays, she is conscious of a renewal of spiritual life. She sees that the
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