"By entering into their feelings and directing their amusements and employments, the mother will gain the confidence of her children, and she can the more effectually correct wrong habits, or check the manifestations of selfishness or passion. A word of caution or reproof spoken at the right time will be of great value. By patient, watchful love, she can turn the minds of the children in the right direction, cultivating in them beautiful and attractive traits of character. MH 389.1"
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
The EGW passage provides practical advice on how to correct children's behavior, echoing the principle of Proverbs 15:1 about the power of gentle words.
"Mothers should guard against training their children to be dependent and self-absorbed. Never lead them to think that they are the center, and that everything must revolve around them. Some parents give much time and attention to amusing their children, but children should be trained to amuse themselves, to exercise their own ingenuity and skill. Thus they will learn to be content with very simple pleasures. They should be taught to bear bravely their little disappointments and trials. Instead of calling attention to every trifling pain or hurt, divert their minds, teach them to pass lightly over little annoyances or discomforts. Study to suggest ways by which the children may learn to be thoughtful for others. MH 389.2"
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
The EGW passage directly aligns with the principle of Philippians 2:4, which encourages individuals to consider the needs of others rather than being self-absorbed.
"But let not the children be neglected. Burdened with many cares, mothers sometimes feel that they cannot take time patiently to instruct their little ones and give them love and sympathy. But they should remember that if the children do not find in their parents and in their home that which will satisfy their desire for sympathy and companionship, they will look to other sources, where both mind and character may be endangered. MH 389.3"
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of parents providing love and attention to their children, mirroring Jesus's welcoming attitude towards children in Matthew 19:14.