Let the mothers consider that whatever concerneth the
education of children is of the first importance. Let them put forth every
effort in this regard, for when the bough is green and tender it will grow in
whatever way ye train it. Therefore is it incumbent upon the mothers to rear
their little ones even as a gardener tendeth his young plants. Let them strive
by day and by night to establish within their children faith and certitude, the
fear of God, the love of the Beloved of the worlds, and all good qualities and
traits. Whensoever a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise
and applaud him and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait
should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means
based on reason, even a slight verbal chastisement should this be necessary. It
is not, however, permissible to strike a child, or vilify him, for the child's
character will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or verbal
abuse.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
