Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-07-07
CHILDREN IN THE CITY.
How the Little Ones May BE Made
Comfortable I'm Hot Weather.
From Harper's Baxar

Comfortable I'm Hot Weather.
From Harper's Bazaar.
There is much that can be done during
the hot weather to help the health and
happiness of the little children. 1t is very
fortunate for them that they do not feel
the same bodily discomfort that the older
people are subjected to. We all know how
they will play in the hot sun, unmindful
and unconscious of the heat and perspira-
ton. A certain amount of this play is
healthy and harmless yet 1t does not want
to be carried to an extreme Just for the
sake of having them out of doors This is
especially to be guarded against when
children spend the greater part of the sum-
mer In the city. While IL is of course far
better TO take them out of town as early
as possible, this cannot always be accom-
plished. When the days are hot have them
taken out early in the morning, say from
O'Clock until IL or half past. There is
nothing worse for a child than TO be walked
along the hot streets. for at that hour of
the morning there is no shady side" The
nearest park or square Is the best place to
go to.
There they can walk or run or sit, as
they feel inclined. Natural unrestricted
exercise is the best and healthiest way 10
give them pleasure. From II o'clock until
in the afternoon they are better off in the
house. city house in summer order
and IL the windows are kept closed during
the hot hours Of the day, will always have
some cool rooms, and here the children can
play. A good plan is to slip off their dress
es and skirts, and let them play around.
This makes them cooler, and gives them
freer action.
On the very hottest days an hours run
ming around in nothing but their little
shirts will sometimes almost act a pre-
Ventlve 10 an illness. An eminent doctor
once said that there would be much less
mortality among the children of the tene-
ment houses IL they went without clothes
during the hot months. There is a great
foundation of truth in this remark
A hammock swung diagonally across the
nursery Dit can be unlocked at any time)
will give the children an extra anus ement
And extra amuseme7ts are well worth
thinking Of II hammock is not on hand,
an ordinary swing, made of a piece OF
rope and a wooden seat can be put up be-
tween two folding doors. and serve almost
as good an end as though IL were hung
from the branch of tree. A few pots of
plants, that the children can care for them
selves, arranged together on a table in the
window. will give them a great deal of
pleasure.
For the second outing. after or in the
afternoon, as the weather permits a walk
will often be comfortable; or if not a ride
In the open cars will generally insure a
breeze. and bring the children home cool
and happy, and ready for supper and bed.
Children should not eat when overtired
pie diet should be adhered 10, and il is Of
ten better for the little ones to have some
soup or broth instead of meat. Fresh
vegetables and good ripe fruit are always
important for them.
For bathing, tar soap is cooling TO the
skin and good for prickly heat and un-
scented talcum powder is healthy and heal
ing.
Hot nights do not often keep children
awake, though sometimes the heat makes
them very restless during their sleep. A
hair pillow Is cooler and more comfortable
for them during the summer. There should
be nets in the windows OF the rooms where
the children sleep, even in the city, for the
nies are very troublesome in the early morn
ing. A net over the bed excludes the air
and Is not considered healthy.
A days trip to the country once every
week or two can be accomplished. II is a
good idea to go to the seashore when it is
possible TO get there either by boat or by a
short railroad journey. The lunch can be
taken from home and eaten on the beach
and the children will enjoy to the utmost
the play ON the sand. the picnic lunch and
a wade in the water If child is not
very WELL a breath of sea air will work
wonders in few hours. EMILY DAY.