Nervous Children

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · May 10, 1906

In this day and generation of hurry and worry, care and stress, is it any wonder that the children are born nervous and sensitive?

The nervous child starts in life's race with a heavy handicap. And the parents of such a child should, by judicious and sensible treatment, rather than by foolish coddling, seek to remove such a handicap.

A nervous child should never be told of his failing; should never be pitied and condoled; should never be made to feel that he is a bright and shining mark for pity or for praise.

The nervous child should live outdoors, should have simple food, plenty of sleep, with bedroom always well ventilated.

He should have a nap every day, and should lead a simple life — no parties, no theater, no late hours, no great excitement of any kind.

He should be kept out of school until eight years of age. He should live the life of a vegetable, eating, sleeping, and growing, and with brain kept as inactive as possible.

Do not dose him with tonics and medicines. Let him get iron from his food, ozone from the air, stimulation from his daily bath.

Keep him from those persons who tell him blood-curdling tales of ghosts and bogies. Protect him from that worst of cruelties, a grown-up malicious tease.

On the other hand, do not let him have for associate a woman who worries and frets over his health, constantly reminding him that he is not strong, and always urging him to be careful.

Let him hear good, cheerful music every day. If he dreads the dark, allow a small light in his bedroom.

Do not jump at him playfully, or dart at him unexpectedly. If you catch any one thus frightening or startling him, speak your mind emphatically and to the point.

If he has trouble getting to sleep, provide a cup of hot milk, diluted a wee bit with water. If his feet are cold, put the hot-water bag near them.

He should have his own bed and a quiet room — not so quiet that the whole house is hushed for repose, but where no loud noises may distract his slumbers.

Maintain a cheerful spirit in the home. Let him laugh and play, sleep and eat, and the nervousness will slowly but surely disappear. — Selected.