HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 73, 29 August 1947, Page 6

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

CHILD TRAINING (By the Department of Health) The training of a child in preschool years in obedience and discipline is never easy, but certain points, if observed, lighten the task. In habit training—meal time, bath time, bed time and so forth let the child see that obedience is expected. In other matters make sure what you are asking is fair and reasonable. Try to give not to threaten a child with something that cannot be carried out. If a child runs out on. the road to play, and you don’t want him to, tell him quietly he is not to do so. If he does run out again, remind him of your prohibition, and tel him you will have to punish him. There is time in, this 1 way for thechild to see the fairness of the punishment. For disobedience has to be checked.

If you have committed yourself to “no” then it has to be “no.” You will often see the parent who says “You mustn’t do this or that” and then takes no notice when the child disobeys. “No” should be reserved for the times! you really mean it.

“Naughty” is another word to be kept 'for real occasions and used fairly. Too often a child is told he is naughty yrhen he cannot sit still through an afternoon tea party. It’s unreasonable to expect him to do so and bad behaviour can be expected when a child is forced to curb energy that is crying out for-vaction. Grown-ups have to allow the child to be “on the go.” \*

If you expect a child to tell truth, then the child must not find others in the household telling fibs, no matter how innocent. And your word must always be kept. Take time before making promises or laying down the law to be sure of fulfilment of a promise and of fairness in any prohibition. Having committed yourself, then stick to your word.