THE BABY

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 10, 12 January 1929, Page 19

THE BABY

AXD THE. CHILD

"Mother and Child." By Mary Lyon (Mrs. Massey Lyon, Member of tho Royal Institute of Public Health). London: A. and C. Black.

Mrs. Lyon, who is the regular contributor to the Health page of the London "Daily Telegraph/- has-produced a most useful book for the guidance of parents, the information being for the mothers in the early part of the book, and suited for both . parents later on when she deals with t!>o complexes, punisiiments, and psychological dangers. In tho " foreword," Dame Mary Scharlicb, M.D., says: " Mrs. Lyon's little book iilla -a unique ■ place in motherly and nursery literature. . . The book is bound to 'be useful, and will, I think, bo like the quality of -mercy, 'twice blessed,' it blesscth her who "gives and those who take." The first matters dealt with are pre-natal, and wise and kindly advice is given in a number of directions which are usually left to chance, or for tho young mother to "fog out" for herself, at times causing suffering to.herself and. harm to the child. Food, exorcise, rest, choice of doctor, nurse, or home, environment, clothing, and many other more intimate matters aro well outlined, and much good advice given. The clothing' and equipment of the babe and.the early training of the little one in hours of feeding, sleep, etc., are all brought under consideration, with warning against over-management, and the attentions of adoring relatives or friends.

"From the first moment of drawing breath (says the writer) the babe is endowed with''the threefold nature of his race.: body, soul, and spirit. Physical, psychical, and mental-sides are alike immature and undeveloped. But they are there." And on this truth this wise book is built up. A talk on the nervous system of the child is most useful, and one which will repay • serious study on the part of every mother.' Under and over-feeding are. dealt with, and their . consequences, and account given of "specimen children," perfect and impecfect, with the leading characteristics of each. Possible difficulties are carefully dealt with, with a guide to the mother in the main and usual ones. Weaning is described, . and its best methods, and then come suggestions for the next foods,: with both' warning and encouragement. This is a considerable and very important part of the book. Nervous reactions are mentioned, and warning is given not to "make a fetish of the scales." Mental progress, nervous disabilities, vaccination, and the "adenoid and tonsil" question are set forth with many useful hints. Teething is treated exhaustively, ciying, Hie dawn of intelligence, its progress, and then sunshino and violet rays are treated of in the same clear and helpful' manner. > ' Later comes the question of pain of various kinds, the signs and treatment; fear of the dark, psychological dangers, and the cultivation of qualities wisely without too much insistence or weakening of character. Of fear Mrs. Lyon says: "So powerful is the influence of fear that one cannot begin too early to realise it. Apart from ■ hunger it is the gravest psychological danger at the early age; shaking, Ipud scolding, glar; ing glances, are almost as .wrong as shutting a child, up in the daik. . Tho nervous system should bo stabilised and the utmost care should be taken to prevent any shocks falling upon it. Older children should bo impressed with this truth, and so prepared to prevent anything in their games which might frighten the baby." A night light for the nervous child, is recommended, put into the room without comment or fuss 1.

A useful chapter ia on the ''new psychology?.' in dealing with.thctoddleiy and this section also would well reward any mother who gives it careful study^ and would save many a mistake in the upbringing of children. The three sections, "Repression," the "Complex," and ''Compensation," are excellent. Punishment is another valuable lesson. Curiosity and the "facts of life" are dealt with, it might, be said, in an inspired manner, so much wisdom and sensible assistance is ■there displayed. "The Imaginary Playmate," who has caused anxiety to old-fashioned parents, and .rebukes to children which:-should never have been given, is another subject of wise and kindly advice. Many other matters,. walking,: dancing, deep breathing, riding, flat foot, special baths and such like come into another good chapter, and the next few chapters deal specifically with-ailments of various kinds, with the home treatment which would precede that of the medical attendant, if he proved necessary. Accidents and alarms, habits and character all have their turn of description, and' a special chapter -is given, to the nervous child, and nervous-habits,, with some excellent directions for dealing with them. " Suggestion" of various kinds, and the useful. effect of wise suggestion,, is. dealt with,; and much useful information given, and.this is followed by "negativism," which is a little understood matter,; but which is well, explained, and this also is a particularly . valuable part of the book. The chapter dealing with "difficult; ages" and adolescence is full of wise and kindly ideas and most .-helpful suggestions for the guidance of both parents, and even the- most complicated gestions for the guidance of both parshirked, and the writer ,sayn: "Children are naturally religious. The thing to avoid is playing unduly upon this bias, using it wrongfully, as with threats and urisupportablc suggestions, and also—perhaps more than anything else—the -precept- contradicted by practice." The book is undoubtedly very valuable and interesting, and should help every mother in most of the difficulties of upbringing her family.— M.H.C.- ■ ',■- .', .. „ -„..- ..'■ ...