The Importance Of Child Rearing In The Life Of George Washington And His Mother?

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Early nineteenth century childhood readings focused on the importance of moral lessons, as this document aims to teach children the importance of obeying their parents’ commands. George Washington and his mother are examples of morality in the forms of honesty and forgiveness, which symbolizes the significant give and take expected in child rearing. This document portrays the relationship as one of discipline, shown through teaching the child through morality, along with the significance which mothers maintained during child rearing, while nevertheless ignoring the biases of race, religion, and socioeconomic status.
Viewed as a moral figure, George Washington is an honest and pious child, one who knows when to admit he is wrong despite the consequences. Yet as Washington coaxed his friends into mounting him onto the horse, he had no idea that he would be uttering the …show more content…

Washington served as an example for child rearing across early nineteenth century literature through her decisive and severe outlook of her child. Deemed to be an affectionate parent, she did not exempt foolishness without reconciliation in order to maintain her image as an authority figure to her children (The Life of George Washington, 178). This ability to force George into respecting her did not stray away and cause a lack of love, but a mutual understanding of the necessity to obey her commands. Amongst George’s friends, they viewed his mother with the presence of being stern, though she maintained a kindness they were aware of (The Life of George Washington, 178). Painting such a vivid picture of the expectations of a mother, these examples highlighted throughout the literature in what was to become a symbol for motherhood. Her ability to repeat her questions, such as when asking about her horse to George and his friends, shows the stern attitude she carried to the children, presenting her dominance and importance that they must answer her with respect (The Life of George Washington,

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