The Feeding of Children.

Press, Volume L, Issue 149814, 30 May 1914, Page 10

The Feeding of Children.

It is evident from .the' interviews which wo publish in another column that, so far as Christchurch is concerned, if . any of the schoolchildren 6iiffer from malnutrition the cases in which this is duo to inability on the part of the parents to procure nourishing food are very few jndeed. Thero is a consensus of opinion that so far as quantity is concerned, tho children take more food of a kind to school for their lunches "than they can possibly eat, and that a good deal is thrown away. On tho other hand, it is clear that in many cases the health of the children is injured by improper feeding. Tinned foods aro used far more than they ought to be, and children are allowed to make their meals on jam and biscuits, or on confectionery, instead of being fed with good plain food. - This results partly from ignorance on the part of the parents and partly from laziness and thriftlessness. It is an appalling fact that, whilst every care is taken to feed the pigs and calves on a farm with lood suitable for their requirements, and such as will bring them into good condition, tho greatest ignoranco and negligence aro displayed in regard to the rearing of children, and they are allowed to grow up into puny weaklings, even if they do not succumb altogether. It may be that there is too much truth in tho rather pessimistic view expressed by one of mc headmasters to the effect that it is not much use trying to teach tho parents, as those who require instruction most aro thoso least likolv to read anything on the subject. Neverxnciess, we feel sure thero aro some parents anxious to giro their children the best chance in lifo physically as well as educationally, and who would benefit by the articles on clomentary hygiene and dietetics which we suggest shoSid oe published iv tho "School Journal." What is of even moro importance, however, is. that greater attention should bo given to theso subjects in both tne primary and secondary schools. In girls' schools in particular domestic economy should be a compulsory subject, even if some of the frills and furbelows of education have to bo omitted. Meanwhile tho inspection of schools by the lady medical officers will prove of invaluauie good, particularly if this question of feeding is followed up and some practical advice is given on tho subject.