Of course the boy, the girl, must be taught to take care of his, her, clothes, but this is never done by nagging.

A far better plan would be to fit a punishment which really belongs to the evil or careless habit of the child.

For instance, if a boy will persist in throwing his hat anywhere, instead of hanging it up, let the parent give him _one_ caution, not in a threatening or angry way, but in just as matter of fact a fashion as if she were telling him of some news: "John, the next time you fail to hang your hat in its proper place I shall lock it up for three days!" Then, if John fails, take the hat and lock it up, and _let it stay locked-up_, though the heavens fall.

The same with a child's playthings, tennis racquets, base-balls, bats, etc.

As a rule one application of the rule cures.