I have a weakness for books. It doesn't matter their age; as you can see by my latest antique book find. This book was beautiful but the subject was what I found so interesting.
A Mother's Rule or, The Right Way and the Wrong Way published in 1888 by Hubbard Brothers, Philadelphia, is a parenting advice book. I was surprised when I found it. It didn't look very worn, maybe parents had an easier time parenting that long ago. A lot of emphasis on the rearing of the children is most firmly placed on the Mother's shoulders. I haven't read a lot of it but, it has quite a few "funny" bits of advice. The thing that surprised me the most was most of the advice I happened upon is really the same good advice you can find today in any parenting book. Maybe parenting hasn't changed that much after all....
It all does boil down to the home that is created. The Old Homestead...the mood set there, the memories created, and the people you share them with. Do you think parenting has changed much in 125 years?
Beautiful book! And I'm thinking that parenting maybe has changed in the fact that we more often entrust our children to others and we're also battling more outside influences than they had then. E.g. social media, MTV!, television, movies, children's literature, etc. Schools used to be more supportive of family values rather than state values or peer values.
ReplyDeleteVery good points Judy! I knew this would be a good topic. Thank you for your comment!
ReplyDeleteSherry
My husband and I love shopping for old and unusual books! Your new antique book is a great find. I know you enjoyed reading the rules of parenting. It is wonderful if children are raised in a loving home with wise rules. Have a great week!
ReplyDeletePam
I love books and I love old ones. I was in Aspen, CO over the weekend and I always go to Independent bookstore. The store was a gem. I could have stayed in there all day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find. I think that circumstances change and technology progresses but that basic parenting hasn't really changed. We deal with different issues in the same way.
ReplyDeleteLove your old book! I have several old books that belonged to my grandmother and mother. It's amazing how some things have changed..like the drawings, and others, like the lessons taught, are still relevant...thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteI do think parents these days seem to be more absent, via their cell phones, etc. They seem to make up for it by giving the kids too many things. Doesn't seem to be a good combination.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
What a cool book and a great find! I love old books too...I like to imagine all of the eyes who have read them throughout the years :)
ReplyDeleteI also love old books. Children's books are my favorite. The book you show looks to be in great condition and a fun thing to actually read!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a beautiful and fascinating read! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry! Oh, that looks like such a lovely book. The cover is so pretty. Before blogging I never realized how important books are in our decorating. Thank you so much for popping in to see my little dolls.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Great post Sherry. Beautiful book cover, I love old books too. I like the added flower touch.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday,
Gina
Wow, what a beautiful treasure!
ReplyDeleteI love old books and you're right there content can bring a smile!
I love old books too, actually prefer reading them vs. new ones. My favorite author is E. Phillips Oppenheim, he wrote some great mysteries. His books are from 1887 - 1940, and English gent!
ReplyDeleteA loving home should be the essence of every child's life. Unfortunately there are many children who do not get one. I had no reference point from my own experience so looked to books for role models. My favourite mother was in I Remember Mama. The Dad was Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mocking Bird.
ReplyDeleteGreat find! I love old books and magazines and enjoy reading them and watching the illustrations. Your photos are lovely.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking about parenting and book's messages about it I think the most important change is that fathers are more involved now and at those days educating children was only mother's thing (excuse me for my poor English, I hope you have understood me...).
Besos!
Beautiful cover and a great topic! I have one about work and another about manners from that period. People aren't really too different now than in times past, so the essence of parenting hasn't really changed, IMHO, but technology and instant access have changed what our kids have to deal with, and that has created new paradigms and problems that didn't exist long ago.
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