OBJECTS IN LIFE—VALUE OF SPECIAL TRAINING           This consideration brings me to a question sufficiently puzzling to the heads of households: What is to be done with girls? About the boys there is less difficulty—they go to college, or they go to learn their profession; they are set to work at once, to prepare for that “opening” which, it is hoped, will introduce them to … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 2 (8)

PURSUITS AND OCCUPATIONS           I have left little space to glance at the pursuits and occupations proper for young women at home. It is becoming rather usual on the Continent, and, to some extent at home, for the schools to instruct young ladies in the duties of household economy—an invasion perhaps, of the mother’s province. Every woman should understand, and know how to perform, every … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 2 (7)

OPINIONS           Let us turn to a question too often overlooked in the bringing up of girls. A girl may have opinions upon questions of figure and style, fashion and furniture, but who cares what she thinks about public men and questions, books and events? All the same, what she thinks is of consequence to the world; even if she is not to be the … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 2 (6)

PLEASURE AND DUTY           We now come to consider a perplexing question which comes up for settlement upon the close of a girl’s school career. Two rival claimants upon her time and interest are in the field—pleasure and duty; the question is, what is to be allowed to each, and how far may they clash. Kind-hearted parents, who find that their daughter is continually wanted … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 2 (5)

CONDUCT           The conduct of a well-brought-up girl—that is, her behaviour in various circumstances—will, on the whole, take care of itself. But in this, as in greater matters,           “More harm is wrought through want of thought,           Than e’er through want of heart”; and the mother will find opportunities to bring before her daughter the necessity for circumspection, reticence, self-control, the duty of consideration … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 2 (4)

LIBERTY AND RESPONSIBILITY                              “With household motions light and free,                               And steps of virgin liberty,” says Wordsworth of the girl who was to become that “perfect woman.” Now, it sometimes happens that the mothers who take most pains to make their daughters deft and capable in “household motions,” forget the “steps of virgin liberty.” If the girl is to become … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 2 (3)

CULTURE OF CHARACTER             (a)By Instruction.—A woman’s success in life depends on what force of character is in her; and character is to be got, like any other power, by dint of precept and practice: therefore, show the girl what she is, what she is not, how she is to become what she is not, and give her free scope to act and think … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 2 (2)

II CONCERNING THE YOUNG MAIDENS AT HOME YOUNG MAIDENHOOD—THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER AND OPINIONS             “For life in general there is but one decree. Youth is a blunder.”—DISRAELI.   THE idea of staying at home “for good” is delightful to the schoolgirl, and her parents look forward with equal pleasure to having their daughter about them in her bright fresh youth. If the young … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3, Chapter 2 (1)

ÆSTHETIC CULTURE             In venturing to discuss the means of æsthetic culture, I feel that to formulate canons of taste is the same sort of thing as to draw up rules of conscience; that is, to attempt to do for other people what every one must do for himself. It may be vicious to have a flower pattern on our carpet, and correct to … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 1 (17)

TABLE-TALK             The character of the family reading will affect that of the talk; but considering how little parents see of young people once entered on their school career, it is worth while to say a few words of the table-talk which affords parents their best opportunity of influencing the opinions of the young. Every one is agreed that animated table-talk is a condition … Continue reading Formation of Character Volume 5 Pt 3. Chapter 1