The Naughty Child

Introduction — The nature of the mischievous child and sources of the problem
The Pope speaks about the many mischievous children in Sunday schools and stresses that the cause of mischief may be due to the child himself, or to the teacher, or to the lesson method, or to the classroom conditions.

Causes related to the lesson and the teacher
He points out that an uninteresting, repetitive, or long lesson makes the child lose interest, and that the university lecture style is unsuitable for children; a successful teacher engages pupils with questions, dialogue, and activities to attract their attention.

Causes related to the classroom and environment
He mentions that classroom overcrowding or sitting in an uncomfortable way or surrounding noise leads to the child’s misbehavior, and that the teacher’s neglect of the individual pushes the child to attract attention by mischief.

Psychological, personal and family causes
He describes cases where the child needs an individual session because he has difficult family circumstances or an innate mischievous temperament or excess energy that can be directed to useful service instead of punishment.

The necessity of an emotional relationship and compassionate handling
The Pope affirms that the absence of an emotional relationship between teacher and child makes the latter seek attention through mischief, and that winning the children’s love prevents mischief and brings discipline.

Characteristics of the sound teacher
He summarizes the qualities of a good teacher: a mixture of firmness and love and administrative skill, knowledge of children’s souls and teaching methods, and the importance of having two teachers or training new teachers in ways of dealing.

A treatment approach instead of punishment
He concludes that treating the mischievous child should be with care, patience and guidance, not with harshness, beating or expulsion; violence worsens the situation and may lead him to the street, while compassionate treatment raises him and teaches him spiritual and human virtues.

Spiritual conclusion
The Pope views the mischievous child as an opportunity to test the teacher’s patience and spiritual growth, and encourages seeing every child as one who needs guidance and love so that he may enjoy peace and order in Sunday school.

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