until he is six or seven and then put him into an institution. But
while you wait for school age to arrive, you lose that close touch
with the soul of your child which may be established only in these
early years, for you have no adequate means of communication with
him--no way to win his confidence. Soon the child has passed this
stage, and no school can ever give him what you might and would
have given had you known how.

"You who are trained teachers of the deaf can hardly realize the
need of advice about matters perfectly obvious to YOU; but the need
exists. May I tell you from my own experience a few of the things
about which you might advise--you, who know!

"In the first place, suggest to parents that they make simple
tests of their children's hearing; and tell them how and why those
who are _partially_ deaf should be helped.

"Then tell them to talk, and talk, and talk, to their little deaf
ones--to say everything and say it naturally. And tell them some
things in particular that should be said--commands, etc., and
_certainly_ 'I love you.' Tell them to speak in whole sentences.
Give them an idea of the possibilities of lip-reading.

"Tell them that _by the expression of the face_ they may convey to
the deaf child the interest, approval, disapproval, etc., that they
would express to a hearing child in the tone of voice.

"Tell them that there is _rarely_ an untrained person who can
_safely_ meddle with articulation.