OUR BABIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 18 September 1929, Page 10

OUR BABIES

THE PRE-SCHOOL CHILD (HY IIYUIilA) Published under I lie. auspices of the Royal New Zealand Society for the, Health of Women and Children (Plunkcl Society). "It is wiser to put up a fence at the lop rif a precipice, than to mainlain on ambulance at the bottom.'' SIiIV.IN( j TJlIi HiiSIiNTIALS To seize l!n essentials, and hold on lo them -to avoid frittering away precious time and energy on nonessential detail -to study and Heal the whole child ! how difficult ! And vet in the capacity to do these things lies the secret of success in the difficult art uf rearing children wisely and well. Certain things are essential—sunshine and exercise, properly chosen food, regularity, rest, cleanliness—but overinsistan.ee on detail is a very great mistake. II is a mistake which often accounts for the failure of children for whom everything is done according to the best advice to thrive as well as "the children next door." who simply "run wild." It is a sad thing that it is most often the earnest, good mother who makes this mistake. In her great anxiety to neglect no detail of her duty to the child, she becomes swamped in detail, and fails to grasp the problem "on the round"—lo see the child as a whole—a complex little "mind-body system," needing freedom and scope for development of his unfolding powers, and an opportunity to learn by independent experiment. 'ATMOSPHERE" Right from birth the child is extremely sensitive to the mental atmosphere in which he is placed. Much depends on whether his world is one of peace and stability in which he can confidently place his trust or ■whether it is dependent on the adult caprice of the moment. The effects on ihe child of over-anxiety, contradictory lines of treatment ami conduct, unhappiness or conflict in his home atmospheres are terribly deep and far-reaching. Some of the immediate results are storms of temper or sulkiness, Iriekiness of appetite or undesirable habits; the ultimate effects on character may influence the child's whole life.

II IF. TODDLFdt'S DEVELOPMENT!

Let us pause and consider the stage of development of the. toddler. Physically he is growing fast, still teething, learning new muscular movements, gaining strength and endurance. Mentally he is growing even faster—l.ho world opening up to his exploring mind through his senses. He is supremely impressionable, and dependent .on us for interpretation of facts. I*. is the duty of any and every person responsible for the upbringing of

children lo consider seriously whether he nr she is providing a home atmosphere of peace and trust as faithfully as are provided daily bread, clothes, and shelter. Kor perfect all round development all sides uf Ihe child's nature must be considered.

i:k':i;lai;ity and rest First-class physical condition is the foundation on which to build menial as well as physical health and efficiency. "Granted good organic- foundations, truth and honour can be built into the edifice as it grows." Absolute regularity of habits is the ultimate foundation of all-round obedience and conformity lo social law and order. As Sir Truby King has said. "Building the teeth and forming a character are parts of construction of the same edifice—standing in the relationship of the underground foundations of a building to the superstructure."

There should be an absolutely regular daily routine upon which the child can definitely depend. The regular rhythm provides the greatest freedom for his mind and prevents tension and strain. Meals should be "by the clock." This is an "essential," which is often dropped with the bottle-feeding, with great detriment to the child.

The pro-school period is the time to fix for life the habit of regular bowel action. Nothing should be allowed to interfere with this.

Bed time must be punctual, and the same each day, except on the rarest occasions. The same thing applies to the daytime rest. As time goes on the child may not sleep in the day, but the regular quiet time is immensely valuable. for recuperation both of bodv and mind. It is specially important not to break the habit of the daytime rest, as it is often hard to re-establish it. Insufficient rest and nervous overstimulation are very common causes of slight failure to thrive on the part of the pro-school child. The unceasing physical and mental energy and activity of the small child absolutely demands adequate provision for recuperation, else loss of condition, pallor, poor appetite, irritability, or some other abnormality will surely appear. "The body must be built rightly and used rightly, that it may serve and'guide the mind."