OUR BABIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17839, 11 October 1929, Page 5

OUR BABIES.

THE PRE-SCHOOL CHILD.

TESTS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

(By “Hygela.")

If the small child is fed rightly, if his habits are good, and the home atmosphere is happy he should stand the tests that every day brings along, throw off infection, develop without effort along natural lines, and measure up to normal standards for his age. Take stock of the “little runabout’s'’ progress at regular intervals. It is very easy to overlook important points, and thoughtful parents may well ask themselves a definite set of questions from time to time, to keep themselves up to the mark, as well as the children. Here is a little catechism as an example. Add to it or adapt it to your own case and you will find It useful.

Has Your Child— Average weight for his height and age ? The average number of teeth for his age, free from decay, clean, not crowded ? Firm muscles, good colour, clear, well-tanned skin? Erect posture and carriage, good arches to his feet, firm ankles? Good appetite? Happy disposition, joyous freedom, and quick rebound from childish troubles ?

Does Your Child—- ■ Dress and undress himself with increasing independence, and put away his clothes? Wash his face and hands, clean his own teeth, brush his own hair, with increasing competence? Put away toys and help willingly with household tasks? Eat heartily, at regular intervals, not more than three limes daily? Masticate thoroughly?Take readily all kinds of vegetables, brown bread and about half to one pint of milk a day? Eat some hard food at each meal, preferably ending the meal with apple? Go to bed before 7 p.m., and sleep at least 12 hours? Rest quietly or sleep for an hour in the daytime if under four or five? Sleep in a well-ventilated room? Go to sleep quickly, without fear of the dark? Play out of doors as much as possible? ' . , Have at least one normal bowel action every day at the same time?

Do You— Take your child regularly to the Plunket rooms for advice— not less often than once in three months? Take him to your dentist at regular intervals ? Take him to your doctor if any defect is suspected? Teach him reasonable self-control and obedience? Give him reasonable freedom? Provide him with constructive playthings?

Have You Avoided — Giving or allowing “pieces,” sweets and bisciuts between meals? The development of other bad habits —bed-wetting, nail-biting, tempers, unreasonable fears, etc? Taking him to the "pictures or any crowded place of entertainment, especially at night? Showing him off to admiring friends ? , Talking about him in his own hearln°Futlle threats and unnecessary “dont's"?