NERVOUS CHILDREN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XXV, 18 June 1898, Page 782

NERVOUS CHILDREN.

We do come across them occasionally, although, happily, they are few and far lietween. A child suffering from a timid, fearful temperament should he treated with great kindness, and yet with judicious firmness. To laugh at it or to jeer at its terror of darkness or of fanciful danger, is to make matters far worse. Your little boy or girl, as the case may lie, is extremely sensitive to ridicule, and the dread of being * marie fun of ’ results in its only hiding its fear—not overcoming it—and. in reality, suffering tortures. Never scold (what a

detestable word that is) your child for being frightened ; tell him quietly and reassur ingly that there is really no cause for alarm if the gas suddenly goes out, or when startled by any loud noise, or unexpected sight. Give him at all times as much personal protection as you can, but make him understand that he is just as safe when you are not with him. I remember on a recent occasion, while travelling by rail, a little lad was terribly frightened when the train dashed into a tunnel, leaving us in total darkness ; as he screamed, so his mother screamed louder in ridicule, and the noise was almost unbearable while it lasted. The poor little fellow looked perfectly panic-stricken when we emerged into daylight. When the route is a well-known one, I think it advisable to warn the children, who are in our charge during the journey, of the temporary darkness, and to talk about it in such a way as to prevent any feeling of terror seizing the childish mind ; and when the darkness has come, it may be kind, if not necessary, to hold the little hand, and so give tangible proof of your presence and protection.

Dolly.