A Victorian Manifesto for Seattle’s Youth

Don't expect too much of them. It has taken forty years, it may be, to make you what you are, with all your maturity. Above all, don't expect judgment in a child, or patience under trying circumstances. Be sympathetic in their mistakes and trouble; don't ridicule them. Remember not to measure a child by your own standard. 'As one whom his mother comforteth,' said the inspired writer, and beautifully does he convey to us the deep, faithful love that ought to be found in every woman's heart, the unfailing sympathy with all her children's griefs. When we see children going to their friends for comfort, we are sure there is something wrong with their mother. Let the memories of their childhood be as bright as you can make them. Let them see every innocent pleasure in your power. We have often felt our tempers rise to see how needlessly their plans were thwarted by older persons, when a little effort on their part would have given the child pleasure, the memory of which would always be a delight. Lastly, don't think a child hopeless because he betrays some very bad habits. We have known children that seemed to have been born thieves and liars, so early did they display these undesirable traits; yet we have lived to see those same children become noble men and women, and ornaments to society. We must confess they had wise, affectionate parents. And whatever else you may be compelled to deny your child, by your position in life, give it what it most values—plenty of love.