John Locke

Locke considers the biggest mistake parents make is that they do not make their children's minds obedient to discipline or compliant to reason. If their child makes a mistake, or does something wrong, the parent often just makes an excuse for them. The parents see that "he's just a little boy" and "doesn't know any better". Locke seems to think that parents should take the discipline of their children much more seriously so that they grow up to realize what is right and wrong.

Children have a certain fear and awe over adults, especially their parents. That alone should give the parents authority and power over their children. When the child is older, they will appreciate this discipline and authority that they received from their parents in their early years and will therefore respect their parents. This reverence will eventually turn into a genuine love and friendship with and for their parents.

Locke means that when a parent does not take control and order over situations that deserve such things, the child will act out. A parent giving little or no discipline will in turn have to deal with a child with a poor attitude and an uncontrollable temper. If the parent properly uses the fear and awe they have over the child, the child will submit to them and will generally follow the rules set out. And with these rules, don't set too many out, or the children will not remember them. Only have a select few rules that you can be sure that the children are observing.

The aspect of learning, especially reading and writing, Locke considers necessary but not the most important aspect of a person's life. But if you think about it, a person may be very smart and scholarly, but not very personable. This person is not very well respected. But a man who is virtuous and wise would be valued greatly in a society. He doesn't believe that a child should be Ð''chained' to his education during the best years of his life just to learn a few math skills or a language or two. However, by playing and being socially involved, only then will the child learn crucial life values.