Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-03-23

A varied program, both instructive
and entertaining, was that which was
carried out on Monday night at the
Augusta Y. M. C. A. at the annual
teachers night observance for the
teachers of the Augusta public
schools. Among the items on the
program was an excellent address by
DR.. Forrest c. Tyson of the Augusta
State Hospital; a contest embracing
many different events in which the
teachers of the East side of the river
out distanced their rivals from the
West side: and short dance in the
gymnasium. together with delicious
refreshments which were served in
tho assembly hall.
DIR. Tyson spoke first on the psy-
Geological mechanism and develop
ment Of mental disorders with spe-
cial reference to dementia praecox
and manic Oppressive groups. He de-
clared that as a result of the psy-
chology and the question of person.
ality makeup a rational program of
mental hygiene can be evolved which
will prevent such cases to a large ex-
tent, and If cases can be taken under
observation in time they may be cur
ed by the same means.
He said in part, 1.-THE public
schools should specialize in training
children to clear thinking and clear
feeling. The latter especially Is apt
to be neglected. Children should be
brought UP in an atmosphere in
which reasoning and not impulse is
the guiding force.
"The child's emotional reactions
also demand much supervision. Emo
finna nfinnc of
portion to their causes should be es-
pecially investigated and corrected
through child guidance and habit
clinics. Training to clear thinking
while the child is acquiring knowl-
edge Is necessary while unsuitable
reading endangers clear thinking and
clear feeling.
"Abstruse literature beyond the
comprehension of the average child
or youth is apt to confuse and work
against healthy attitude toward in
ternal and external conflicts. Imagi-
native literature should be avoided
If it promotes unhealthy longings or.
in children especially If it promotes
fear or gives a wrong conception of
life.
Unhealthy sensationalism in
newspapers, theaters and in the gem
eral pleasures of adults, which chill
dren cannot elaborate and correct
and from which they get wrong VAL
ues and wrong ideas of life should be
avoided. Unhealthy sentimentality
should be avoided and should be
dealt with in the same manner as
with other disproportionate emotion
al feelings. 81
Sentiment, finer feelings and en-
thusiasm for the healthy, the strong
and the beautiful, high ethical and
even altruistic feelings should be i'm
planted and encouraged. These feel
ings lead to sound interests and are
very important as healthy balancing
factors. Such feelings with other
healthy interests help to promote
raining, to view things correctly, to
get the right perspectives, not from
the individual but from the more
general point of view"
DIR. Tyson stressed the importance
I Of nature studies. athletics and play
grounds, and declared that tend
ency toward brooding should not be
allowed, but instead a healthy I'M
taught and children should be urged
to go to their parents or to others
who are sympathetic and capable
of giving advice. This applies to
adults as well as children.
He also declared that the proper
handling of sex matters should be
no problem, but that too much en-
phasis is laid upon sex life in gen.
eral. This is matter of much tact
and individualism and no general
rules can be given.
Mental discipline or training of
the will is important but not so es-
sential as proper training to clear
thinking and clear feeling. There
has always been too much empha-
sis placed on the training of the will
and Of self control without regard
to the real difficulties which the in
dividual encounters. Training of
this sort will undoubtedly strength
en- the character of the individual
with healing mental habits. but
which if applied alone does not help