They will always try hard to get the tipper hand, not knowing but that such conduct adds to their own happiness.

When once conquered, and proof is afforded that it does not, then the children are always thankful for the discipline.

At all events, I have never found it otherwise.

Many, I may say numerous cases, have occurred of worse kinds than the above, such as children insisting on bringing something from home, as the bellows, tongs, poker, the mother's bonnet, father's hat, &c., as the condition of coming to school, which the simple parent has complied with rather than adopt the required firmness, which is essential in matters of this kind.

More infants know quite well the weak and the strong points of a parent's character, they all are excellent judges on this subject.
I found it necessary, under such circumstances, to enter into a kind of agreement with the mother, that she should not interfere in any respect whatever: that on such conditions, and such only, could the child be admitted; observing, that I should act towards it as if it were my own, but that it must and should be obedient to me; to which the mother has consented, and the child has been taken in again; and, strange to say, in less than a fortnight, has been as good, and has behaved as orderly as any child in the school.