Evening star., 1941-07-23
NoSpanking
For Young
Child!
Such Punishment
Is Harmful to
Training
By Letfice Lee Street,
Dear Mrs. STREET.:

Lear MRS. Streett.
MY little girl Is 20 months old.
She is the first child, and I will
admit that she is somewhat spoiled.
I am trying to correct her of some
of the things she does When she
goes to bed at night she will awaken
crying anywhere from three to
seven times. Ever since I came
home from the hospital she has
never slept through one night.
She also has fiery temper which
am doing my best to correct. I
have been whipping her, but it does
not seem to help. I tried talking to
her Is there any way can change
her?
would gladly appreciate any in
formation on the subject.
MRS. P. O'C.
Thank you for writing, Mrs. P.
O'C., and.I hope that this column
will be of some real help to you.
I wish that you would change your
attitude toward your little girl be-
cause she is really only baby still,
and you cannot expect her to behave
as an older child or an adult.
1t does no good to whip a young
child of 20 months because she is
not old enough to understand why
you are spanking her. Such treat
ment always does one of two things;
1t either makes a child so fearful
and timid that she becomes duly
submissive, or in the case of spir-
tied youngster like your little lass,
it only increases the fury of the
temper.
am glad that you admitted that
you spoil her, but what mother has
not on occasion spoiled her child?
However, when the lack of discipline
goes as far as it has in your case,
then a right-about-face must be
made to secure a happy, healthy
child. hope that from now on you
will be firm with her and not wayer
from your intention; she will soon
learn that you mean what you say.
But in doing this you must be
tactful; avoid situations that will
bring on an unpleasant scene and
when she has a tantrum, leave her
alone and ignore her. Her tempers
and crying may easily be bid for
your attention. Do you notice her
when she is good, and are you cheer
full and talk to her while you are
bathing her, feeding her and going
about your daily life at home? Do
you make her feel that you love her
and want her with you? Remember
that you are the one she initiates
and depends upon; almost all Of her
entire small life Is you.
About this night crying; it is very
bad for her as 1t robs her of the
undisturbed sleep that the growing
child must have to be healthy. 1t
Is terribly hard on you, too, Of
course. I wish you would take her
to q good pediatrician and he may
find it advisable to send you to a
psychiatrist. Both such doctors may
Uc 1OuIlu III Tic CliIlQiCll . CAlilCo
In hospitals.
1t Is hard for any one to 60 to
sleep when he is nervously over
wrought. The average, healthy child
reared in a well-ordered home by a
happy, sympathetic mother does not
suffer from emotional upsets that
are serious enough to keep him
awake, crying.
We have prepared two useful
gifts for you: One Is . chart
that clearly shows the value Of
foods suitable for the average
young child and the other de-
scribes . series Of well-tested
exercises for the entire body,
with hints on how to gain your
child's cooperation in perform
ing them. If you wish either or
both Of these, send for our CLAS-
SIFIED FOOD TABLES and
THE IMPORTANCE OF COR
RECT POSTURE pamphlets, in
closing q Scent stamp with your
request. Print your name and
address clearly, and address or.
ders to the Woman's Department
q The Evening Star.