Gentle Measures in the Management and Training of the Young by Jacob Abbott (best english books to read txt) 📕

of the children a conviction of the truth of what they say; while, on theother hand, those who, in theory at least, occupy the position thatthe direct falsifying of one's word is never justifiable, act at adisadvantage in attempting this method. For although, in practice, they areoften inclined to make an exception to their principles in regard to truthin the case of what is said to young children, they can not, after all,tell children what they know to be not true with that bold and confidentair necessary to carry full conviction to the children's minds. They areembarrassed by a kind of half guilty feeling, which, partially at least,betrays them, and the children do not really and fully believe what theysay. They can not suppose that their mother would really tell them whatshe knew was false, and yet they can not help perceiving that she does notspeak and look as if what she was saying was actually true.

Monsieur and Madame Croquemitaine.

In all countries there are many,