Sometimes it seems we have given more thought to how to raise a beautiful flower than we have given to how to raise a child.

Luther Burbank, a world famous horticulturist, spent his life experimenting with and raising almost unbelievably beautiful flowers. He was a man of nature and interesting opinions. Here is what he thought about raising children:

1. Keep them outside (away from books and study).

2. Respect individual differences; you cannont expect them to develop alike.

3. Be honest with the child. “The child is the purest, truest thing in the world. “

4. Don’t be cross with a child; don’t be harsh.

5. Give them the best possible environment.

6. Let them have music, art and laughter – – a good time – – one of cheerful occupation. Surround them with beauty.

7. Give them (like plants) sun and air and blue sky.

8. Shun education in the academic sense, as you would the plague.

9. Give them simple, well-balanced food.

10. The integrity of the child’s nervous system is impaired by “education” for the first ten precious years of his life.