children, and their sound development, must stand in the
foreground. But at present, in most cases, children of tender
years, as well as those who are older, are sacrificed to the
chaotic condition of the home. They learn self-will without
possessing real freedom, they live under a discipline which is
spasmodic in its application.

When one daughter after another leaves home in order to make
herself independent they are often driven to do it by want of
freedom, or by the lack of character in family life. In both
directions the girl sees herself forced to become something
different, to hold different opinions, to think different
thoughts, to act contrary to the dictates of her own being. A
mother happy in the friendship of her own daughter, said not
long ago that she desired to erect an asylum for tormented
daughters. Such an asylum would be as necessary as a protection
against pampering parents as against those who are overbearing.
Both alike, torture their children though in different ways, by
not understanding the child's right to have his own point of
view, his own ideal of happiness, his own proper tastes and
occupation. They do not see that children exist as little for
their parent's sake as parents do for their children's sake.
Family life would have an intelligent character if each one
lived fully and entirely his own life and allowed the others to
do the same. None should tyrannise over, nor should suffer
tyranny from, the other. Parents who give their home this
character can justly demand that children shall accommodate
themselves to the habits of the household as long as they live
in it. Children on their part can ask that their own life of
thought and feeling shall be left in peace at home, or that