p. 15 | A Bad Disposition by MRS. A. A. TUCKER, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 1, 1915

A Bad Disposition

By MRS. A. A. TUCKER, M. D.

MRS. A. A. TUCKER, M. D.

Few parents make their children a study. If they did, they might often find an underlying physical cause for seeming incorrigibility.

All children have a right to be born well, to have a sound mind and a perfect body. Unfortunately, many children are denied this birthright; and even if they start life with a clear title to physical soundness, they may be forced to yield it up by the way. Some of the diseases of infancy and early childhood are almost impossible to avoid, and mothers should be wide-awake to prevent their aftereffects.

In health as well as in sickness the wise mother will guard the diet of her children. She will look after their bathing, the ventilation of their rooms, and every detail that makes for their comfort and health.

The nose and throat should be examined by a competent physician to see if the tonsils are abnormal or if adenoids are present. The eyes and ears should be tested to see if there are any defects.

One physician goes so far as to say that the time is rapidly approaching when sin and crime and bad temper will be as much the business of the physician as smallpox or measles. This is rather an extreme view; but it goes without saying that few children are born well, and parents often confuse signs of ill health with natural depravity.

For instance, a girl who seemed unruly at home and unmanageable at school, was fortunately examined by the school physician. He had her sent to an oculist, and when the eyestrain from which she was suffering was removed, she was entirely changed. She learned to love her studies, and a marked reform was seen in every way.

A young girl was so cross and fretful that her mother finally sent her to her grandmother's for a long stay. She could have done nothing better, as the quiet, intuitive old lady seemed at once to understand this bundle of nerves. One year of eating, sleeping, and living outdoors, and having the perfect sympathy and cooperation of her grandmother, changed into a lovable girl this poor child, whose disposition, under less favorable circumstances, might have been ruined for life.

A child at school was not understood by her teacher. When asked to go to the board, or do anything that would cause her to display a deformed finger, of which the children had made fun, she obstinately refused, until compelled to go. The presence of this member had caused her to develop a defiant disposition, which was more to be deplored than the unfortunate deformity.

Apparent disobedience is sometimes caused by extreme sensitiveness. A boy in a crowded street car was asked by his mother to give up his seat to a lady who was standing. The little fellow was so embarrassed that he did not move. His mother, seeing his embarrassment, began to talk to a friend. This diverted the attention of the onlookers from the child, and he gladly slipped out of his seat and came over to his mother, pretending to have come after something. He was neither obstinate nor selfish — only shy.

Children should be directed, not constantly restrained. They should grow up free and happy, their energies wisely directed, their health well looked after. Under such conditions, it is certain parents will not be troubled much with the children's dispositions.

Sulphur, Okla.