Evening star., 1938-04-27
If Child Is
Shannnning
Sickness
Caution Should Be
Used When Coping
With Faxed Ills.
BY ANGELO PATRI.


| CHILDREN learn their mothers
ways with them early and ac-
curately. One Of the first things they
discover Is that any show Of illness
on their part brings immediate, So
licitous attention. The usual healthy
child dislikes any show Of illness and
tries to get over any little mishap as
quickly as possible. He has so many
interesting things to do, so many pri-
vate concerns such as his new wagon,
the boat he is making, his seat in
school, his place on the team, rivalry
with some other younEster, that he
hurries illness on its way as speedily
as possible.
Unfortunately, there are children
not so healthy. A certain weakness,
difficult to define, is reflected in sickly
mental attitudes. They bide from any
difficulty that arises in home or school
or playground. They make the most
OF any little upsetness that comes
their way. A sniff1e Is exaggerated
into = severe cold. and he must stay
indoors. A test coming? His head
aches. Illness. sudden and severe. is
his answer to parental pressure Of any
sort.
Recently one such boy failed In
schoolwork. The teacher suggested a
change in schedule that would permit
him to have help that he needed. He
protested. His mother was called in
and readily agreed that the program
arrangement would be about perfect
for her son. Upon hearing this, young
son squirmed about, whined and then
threatened, If you make me come
to school any more this term I'll be
sick. I'll be sick as long as you make
me come" And he would be.
Furnishing these children is wasted
time. They are ailing children who
need help that will enable them to
overcome the weakness that besets
them. No healthy child clings to
illness. It Is common to call such
children spoiled children. implying
that they have been conditioned to
this state by the weakness Of home
discipline. believe it Is the other
way about. The helplessness Of the
child conditioned the discipline.
When one has to deal with a child
like this it Is best to 60 along with
him little way. You're sick? Then
the best thing to do is to 60 to bed,
or At least. stay quietly In the house"
Hold to that. And watch what hap
pens. If he stays quietly In bed as
though glad to be there it is time to
call . children's doctor. If he gets
well fast after school time, it is best
to visit . teacher-psychologist and
arrange for his treatment.
The physician or the psychologist
Will of1er a program of treatment.
Follow it religiously, and in your at
titude toward the child let the respon-
sibility for the program lie with the
doctor or psychologist. That is, your
treatment Of the child now Is imper-
sonal. Doctors orders" Is an out for
the parents.
If you can 60 one step farther and
send him from home, among under
standing, kindly people, to get his
treatment 80 much the better. That
removes the influence of the old as
sociations that tend to repeat the
troublesome reactions. Then attend
to your own mental attitude. Rid it
Of fear; I'LL 1t with hope; strengthen
it with courage until faith and courage
and the idea Of health for this child
overfiows in your behavior. Treat the
i'll child for mental health and his
whining will soon vanish. "I1l be
SICK" is . clear call for help IN this
direction.
(6oo0Raghk lns2l