But my father became thoroughly convinced that the separation of children in a family may lead to evils greater than any partial good that can result from it.
The attempt may induce artifice and disobedience on the part of the children; the separation can scarcely be effected; and, if it were effected, would tend to make the children miserable.

He saw that their little quarrels, and the crossings of their tempers and fancies, are nothing in comparison with the inestimable blessings of that fondness, that family affection which grows up among children, who have with each other an early and constant community of pleasures and pains.

Separation as a punishment, as a just consequence of children's quarrelling, and as the best means of preventing their disputes, he always found useful.

But, except in extreme cases, he had rarely recourse to it, and such seldom occurred.

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