CHAPTER XIII. 



MENTAL PREPARATION. 



In the preceding chapter we considered some of 

 the more essential things in physical preparation 

 for parenthood ; in this chapter I desire to present 

 a few practical suggestions for cultivating and 

 restraining the principal elements of mind and 

 character. 



In preparing for the advent of a new life, pros- 

 pective parents should take up such lines of phy- p reparation fa 

 sical, mental and moral training as are best calcu- Parenthood. 

 lated to produce the desired results. If possible 

 they should begin at least a year before inception 

 and continue until the birth of the child. The 

 mental training should be thorough. The propen- 

 sities should be brought under control and sub- 

 jected to the intellect, will and moral sentiments. 

 The affections should be strengthened and puri- 

 fied. Self respect, dignity of character and some 

 worthy ambition should be cultivated. The intel- 

 lectual and esthetic powers should be trained so ^7^ p^ents 

 as to give keenness of perception, a reliable mem- Should Cultivate* 

 ory and a lively imagination. And, most of all, 

 the moral and religious sentiments should be 

 thoroughly awakened and vigorously exercised, 

 so that honesty, reverence, goodness and kindness 

 may become the ruling elements of the new soul. 



When there is cause to fear undesirable latent 



