THE PERNICKETY CHILD

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 136, 30 August 1927, Page 4

THE PERNICKETY CHILD

AND WHAT TO DO WITH HIM Pernickety children are legion these days. A typical instance seems irritatable and nervous. A restless sleeper, he often awakes screaming at night. He looks pale and wearly-eyed in spite of all mother’s coaxing and devotion. Fussy about his food, he eats spasmodically, sometimes bolting and at other times lingering over it, till it has grown cold and finally is pushed away. Such children will eat cakes and sweets at all times, but are difficult feeders with meat and vegetables and other necessary blood and muscle makers. Often the Result of Spoiling In pernickety children there is a psychic element at work that has nothing to do with the disorders of the body, which may arise from digestive disturbances or some deficiency in the secretion of the ductless glands. It happens that the pernickety child is often an only child, spoiled by too much slobbering or persuasion. His psychical need may be a companion, for his type are always day-dreamers. Possibly Babyish Jealousy Possibly such a child may have been quite normal till the advent of the new baby, when his little nose was put out of joint. He begins to feel himself neglected. His little mind is injured. He is jealous and angry at the apparent neglect of the parent, for baby now occupies the limelight. Little children are egoists and like to be the sole possession of mother and the only recipient of mother’s individual attention. This ousting from the centre of the home-life stage weighs heavily on the child mind. To Meet These Conditions A little forethought, however, could do much to prevent these mental ills occurring. Affectionate expression in early life should be moderate. Encourage playmates. The day-dreaming propensities may be counteracted by teaching the child to play with plasticine. Let his little fingers make shapes after his own heart. Try to enlist the child as a protector and helpmeet of baby. Let him realise his superiority by helping mother. This will diminish the feeling of neglect. Cheeriness at meal time helps the appetite, and at all times example is -always better than precept.

A DANCE An enjoyable dance was held in the Maraetai Hall recently to celebrate the completion of the metalling of the road ‘to Maraetai Beach. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr. Montgomery. A dainty supper was served in the supper room, which was prettily decorated with bowls of spring flowers. SOCIAL AND DANCE The Auckland Telephone Exchange staff held a very enjoyable social and dance recently in the Masonic Hall, Belgium Street. The hall was prettily decorated for the occasion with a host of vivid streamers and balloons, and an energetic committee, working under the supervision of Mr. Boddy had spared neither time nor trouble in their preparations for the evening’s success. Musical items were contributed by Miss Hewitt, Miss Bobinson, Mr. Boreham and Mr. Culpitt. Birtley’s dance orchestra provided a delightful selection of dance music to the strains of which about 200 people kept the floor continuously occupied. Among those present were Mr. Gage, District Telegraph Engineer, accompanied by Mrs. Gage. Mr. Vivian, Telephone Engineer; Mr. Hodge, Chief Mechanician; Mr. Lambie and Mr. Pulton, Senior Mechanicians.