The Litchfield County Post

HINTS TO PARENTS.

Dialogue on Newspapers.—A. How does it happen, neighbor B. that your children have made so much greater progress in their learning, and knowledge of the world, than mine? They all attend the same school, and for aught I know, enjoy equal advantages.

B.—Do you take the newspaper, neighbor A?

A.—No sir. I do not take them myself but now and then borrow one, just to read. Pray sir what have newspapers to do with the education of children?

B.—Why, sir. they have a vast deal to do with it, I assure you; I should as soon think of keeping them from school, as to withhold from them the newspaper. Indeed a newspaper is a little school of itself. Being new every week, it attracts their attention, and they are sure to peruse it. Thus while they are storing their minds with useful knowledge, they are at the same time acquiring the art of reading &c. I have been surprised that men of understanding should overlook the importance of a newspaper in a family.

A.—In truth neighbor B. I frequently think I should like to take them; I cannot well afford the expense.

B.—Can't afford the expense! what, let me ask, is the value of two or three dollars a year, in comparison with the pleasure and advantage to be derived from a well conducted newspaper? As poor as I am I would not for fifty dollars a year, deprive myself of the happiness I enjoy in reading, and hearing my children read and talk about what they have read in the paper. And then the reflection, that they are growing up intelligent and useful members of society—Oh, don't mention the expense; pay it in advance every year, and you will think no more of it.

A.—I believe you are right. I now begin to see my folly. I will go home and order the printer to send me his paper immediately.