The Omaha morning bee., 1923-11-08
Child Needs Are
Explained at
Yates School
Paren,t-Teachers Association
Meeting Is Addressed by
DR.. G. A. Young on
Child Nerves.

There is a tremendous amount OF
nerve development in the first three
years OF child's life, and the great
est physical care should be given dur.
ing that PERIOD" declared DR.. G..
Alexander Young, who spoke on
Nervousness in Children" before the
Yates Parent-Teacher association
Wednesday afternoon in the school
auditorium. THE brain, which is the
center Of the nerve system. is devel-
oped one-fourth of the normal adult
weight at BIRTH In the first nine
months. It doubles its weight, and at
the age Of 3, it Is tripled.
"All other parts of the body grow
more slowly" he stated. THE child
shows the need of sleep. and In the
first few weeks, should sleep 20
hours out of every "a, and from 13
to Is hours until they have reached
the age of 3. During the school years
up to the eighth grade, the child
should be in bed by s. and by on
school nights, while in high school.
Regular Habits Essential.
1.-THE development of regular habits,
sleeping, eating, cleanliness, order
and the training in some definite
creative activity IS of the greatest
Importance. Physical disturbances
such as bad tonsils, eye strain and
stomach disorders should be treated.
The development Of intelligent, SYM
pathetic understanding between the
parents and the child is most essen
tial A dictatorial attitude on the
part of the parents is bound to bring
conflict. While an occasional spank
ing may be valuable as an indication
of authority. DIR. Young believes that
the best results are gained by ex-
ample. Movies are bad for the grow.
ing child as they develop too much
fantasy, and we find the child In
dulging in day dreams to the exclu.
sion Of normal, healthy activities.
This should be combated as vigor
ously as possible. Showing off chill.
dren makes them over estimate their
Importance. and the self willed child
is at a d dsadvantage in learning his
proper relationship to society.
1.-THE mental traits of the child
should be carefully watched and their
questions answered intelligently. Tell
them simple fact In a simple way
but give them the truth. If child
has enough mentality to ask ques-
tions, he should be given an intelligent
answer.
Need Plenty OF Food.
"As the child needs practically twice
as much food as the adult. they
should be provided with three whole
some meals day, lunch after school
hours and when necessary, cod liver
oil after each meal for month or two.
TO aid in growth producing. Out
door exercise and the opportunity for
play, not only for the children's en-
joyment but for the social contact
with other children Is most impor-
tant"
Symptoms OF nervousness, which
DIR. Young defines as an emotion Of
fear. are usually found in the slender,
aenemic twpe. Fear, shyness, back.
wardness with children, a tendency to
get off in a corner and read, night
terrors, twitching OF the body. ply
sical complaints such as headaches,
fainting, stomach disorders and an
abnormal appetite are all symptoms
of nervousness. Nervous reaction
In adults is often found in the child.
Much is being done for the nervous
child through the clinics" he stated.