Evening star., 1942-02-02
Mothers Sympathy Toward Sons Sometimes Brings About Their Rui
Proper Care
OfNervOuS
Children
Schedule Should
Include Correct
Food and Rest
By Lsffice Lee Street,

0y LSILtCe Leg OITEeH
Dear Mrs. STREET.: I would ap.
preciate 1t very much II you could
tell me Of q way to calm q child Of
10, q girl. She is . bright child, very
much 70, but is altogether too sctive
for the peace Of any one around
her. Always jumping, running, NOV
ing arms and legs, reading, singing.
Her mother gives her . cup Of cof-
fee morning and night. She walks
half q mile to school and back. She
will not drink milk and likes sweets
too well. Her appetite Is erratic as
regards vegetables, etc. My advice
seems to do no good, but II you write
something I shall send 1t to her
mother and 1t may help.
MRS. r. E. q.
Obvious to all Of us is the fact
that some children are born with
placid and easy-going natures, while
others have inherited q taut, super
sensitive, nervous organization that
Is irritated and stimulated by the
slightest word or happening. The
phlegmatic child will often survive
severe mismanagement without par
ticularly dire results to his eventual
adult character. But the highly
keyed youngster. suggestible and
emotional, requires most delicate
handling by sane and astute par
ents.
As I see this case, the mother does
not take correct care Of her un-
usual little girl. Instead Of guiding
her child toward control, she is
further aggravating the situation
either through ignorance or lack Of
reasoning.
The daily schedule should be reg
ular, meals served on time and eaten
in a pleasant atmosphere without
haste. This little girl must drink
milk and her mother can contrive
to persuade her to do so, perhaps,
if she will color and flavor the milk
and give 1t to her In q variety of
ways. She should not overindulge
in sweets, and green vegetables and
fruits positively must be q part Of
her daily menus.
1t Is a shock to hear Of any parent
allowing q child to drink coffee;
children should not be permitted any
stimulants whatsoever.
The highly nervous child should
not only be allowed ample sleep, but
should have q quiet rest period after
lunch. Supper should be served at 6,
after which the child should be kept
as quiet as possible, and exciting
talk. music. books and radio pro-
grams should be avoided as well as
rough play. Instead, the evening
program should be interesting. Of
course, because these teeming little
minds are made bored and restless
with nothing to do, but the music,
books and games should not be the
exciting kind. A warm bath should
precede bedtime, and lights out" by
or $50 pm. at the latest Is
essential.
The walk to school is excellent for
this child and, In addition, she
should have plenty Of outdoor ex-
ercise. Play IN the open air induces
relaxation.
Seedlings and punishments should
be avoided as well as hurry and
hustle. She needs quiet and kind
ness. The latter can be as firm as
is necessary to guide her conduct,
but calm words will have greater
effect than sharp ones.
Lettice Lee STREET. has COM
piled . classified food table Of
average foods suitable for young
children which will be sent to
you upon request. Address the
Woman's Department Of The Eve
ming Star and inclose . Scent
stamp with your request.