Child behavior in the 1700’s

Recently I came into possession of a small manual entitled The School of Manners or Rules for Children’s Behavior. It instructs children on how they should behave at home and in public. What is so fascinating about this little manual is that it was published in London in the year 1701. One interesting point is that the manual was published in English so that those that had learned to read may benefit from its teachings. But it was also written in Latin so that children of greater proficiency might not think it beneath them.

I wish to share some of its contents which I hope you will enjoy as you read what your child was supposed to learn and do in the Eighteen Century. It’s fun to compare the suggestions with today’s training and see how similar and yet how different some of them are.

Chapter One states: 1. Fear God, 2, Honor the King, 3. Honor your parents, 4. Submit to your superiors, 5. Despite not your inferiors, 6. Be courteous with your equals, 7. Pray daily and devoutly, 8. Converse with good people, 9. Don’t imitate wicked people, 10.
Pay attention to instructions, 11. Be desirous of learning, 12. Love school, 13. Be clean always, 14, Study virtue, 15. Don’t provoke anybody, 16, Love your classmates, 17. Please your teacher, 18. Don’t spend too much time playing, 19. Watch your mouth, 20. Desire future honor, which can only come from virtue and wisdom.

At home never wear a hat in front of your parents or strangers. Never walk into your parents’ presence without greeting them. If you wish to speak to your parents, and they are engaged in conversation, wait until they have finished and then ask permission to speak, and be sure to speak in a soft voice.

Do not argue with your parents and obey their commands immediately. Do not go outside without their permission and be sure to return at the time told to. Be respectful and courteous, not insulting or domineering in manner or language with servants. Bear quietly and patiently your parents rebuke or correction.
Do not come to the table unwashed or uncombed.
Do not sit down until you are told to by your parents or superiors. Be sure to say grace before you eat. Do not eat too fast or greedily. Do not eat too much, but eat moderately. Do not ask for anything until it is offered. Feed yourself with your two fingers and the thumb of the left hand. Do not grease your fingers more than is necessary. Do not dip your meat into the sauce. Don’t slurp the soup, but eat it with a spoon. Do not throw anything under the table. Do not wipe your mouth or fingers on the tablecloth.

Do not sit down in the presence of superiors without greeting. Do not sing or hum while you are in their company. In coughing make as little noise as possible. When you have to blow your nose, use your handkerchief and try not to make a noise. Do not bite your nails or pick them. Do not spit in the room, but in a corner, and rub it out with your foot, or rather go outside and spit there.

The above is a sampling of what was expected of a well-behaved child in 1701! Some of the ideas are still desired today, but some are out of date. However it is good to realize that concern for the proper upbringing of children is centuries old. Parenting has always been a learned skill. Keep at it. Your children will reflect your efforts and love.