The Child at Home: The Principles of Filial Duty, Familiarly Illustrated

"The Child at Home: The Principles of Filial Duty, Familiarly Illustrated" by John S. C. Abbott is a guidebook for young readers navigating family life in the 1800s. It’s all about being a good kid by showing respect, following the rules, and understanding your place in the family. Abbott wants to teach children that being grateful and responsible is the key to happiness for everyone. Early in the book, a sad story shows what can happen when children don't listen to their parents, as a mother's heartbreak is described when her daughter’s small acts of disrespect turn into big trouble, like a life of crime that lands her in jail. This serves as a strong reminder that the choices children make don't just affect them; they also deeply impact their parents' lives.