NERVOUS CHILDREN.

Southern Cross, Volume 7, Issue 35, 25 November 1899, Page 11

NERVOUS CHILDREN.

A word about nervous children. Never scold them nor “ make fun” of them. They suffer enough without your threats or sarcasm. Pretend not to see their awkwardness when in company, nor their grimaces when alone. A case was reported the other day of a boy of 10 years, who, on being vexed, and often without any apparent provocation, will clench his hands and make the most frightful contortions of the muscles of his face and head till his poor mother fears he is idiotic. By no means. He is the brightest boy in his class at school, fond of reading and of natural history ; but he is of a highly nervous temperament, and has not been taught to control the little wires, so to speak, on which he is strung. This is no single case. There are thousands of children who give way to their nerves in a similar fashion. Talk to them about these curious little fellows that should be their servants, not their masters. Never whip them. The man or woman who whips a nervous child is on a level with brutes that have no reason. Encourage them. Help them. Be patient with them. They are the making of our future successful men and women, for they will work hard at whatever they undertake. Brace up 3 T our own nerves first, and then be indulgent towards the capers of your over-nervous children. —Selected.