THE PRE-SCHOOL CHILD.

Shannon News, 5 November 1929, Page 4

THE PRE-SCHOOL CHILD.

TESTS FOR PARENTS AND - CHILDREN. If the small child is fed rightly, if his habits are good, and the home atmosphere is happy, he should, stand the tests ithat every day bring* along, throAV off infection, develop without effort along natural lines, and measure up to normal standards for his age. Take stock of the “little runabout’s” progress at regular intervals. It is very' easy to overlook important points, and thoughtful parents may well ask themsehns a definite set of questions from time to time, to keep themselves up to the mark, as well as the children. Here is a little catechism as an example. Add to it *or adapt it to your oaa'u case, and you will find if useful.

Has your child — Aveyage: weight for his- height and age? The aA r erage number of teeth, for ins age, free from decay, clean, not crowded?

Firm muscles, good colour, clean, well-tanned skin?

Erect posture and carriage, good arches to his feet, firm ankles? Good appetite? Happy disposition, joyous freedom, and quick rebound from childish troubles?

Does your child — Dress and undress himself with increasing independence, and put aAvay his clothes?

Wash his face and hands, clean his own teeth, brush his own hair, with increasing competence? Put away toys and help willingly Avith household tasks?

Eat heartily, at regular intervals, not more than three times daily? Masticate thoroughly? Take readily all kinds of vegetables, brown bread, and gbout half to one pint of milk a day? Eat some hard food -at each meal, preferably ending the-meal with apple? Go to bed bfore 7 p.m. and sleep at least 12 hours?

Rest quietly or sleep for an hour in the daytime if under four or five? Sleep in a well-ventilated room? Go to sleep quickly, without fear of the dark?

Play out of doors as much as pos sible ?

Have at least one normal bowel action every day at the same time?

Do you— Take your child regularly to the Plunket rooms for -advice —not less often than once in three months?

Take him to your dentist at regular intervals?

Take him to your doctor if any defect is suspected? Teach him reasonable self-control and obedience? Give him reasonable freedom? Provide him with constructive playthings.

.Have you avoided — Giving or -allowing “pieces,” sweets, and biscuits between meals?

The development of other bad habits -bed-wetting, nail-biting, tempers, unreasonable fears, etc? Taking him to crowded functions, especially at night? , Showing him off to admiring friends?