The Physical Development of Children
By Cecil Buscall
ALL means of physical development for young children should for the most part take the form of play and games arranged in such a way as to favor a good position of the body and correct breathing—no chest-cramping movements. Children take naturally to games; the greater part of their lives is spent in this way; through them they develop. The more abandon a child puts in a game, the more good it is doing him. When a child tires easily and loses interest in running and games, wishes to sit still and keep quiet, you may conclude there is something wrong. For the ordinary healthy child who naturally takes to games and outdoor play, the gymnasium is not necessary, but the pale, thin, flat-chested child is the one who needs an interest kindled in him for games and exercises, and encouragement in outdoor sports. Parents can do a great deal in this way for their children. It is a mistake to muffle a child up in a bundle of garments, and keep him indoors because the temperature is a few degrees below freezing. A child’s circulation is generally considerably better than an adult’s; and if a child is constantly catching cold, it is usually through overfeeding and poor blood, or through breathing over and over the impure air of a room. Have the clothing distributed evenly over the body. How many times does one see little tots muffled up to the ears, and a numerous ripple of skirts, but with thin stockings and shoes to protect the lower part of their bodies. Children need freedom of movement, and they invent numerous games themselves, which tend to their development, and form a constant outlet for stored-up energy. This should not be repressed, but rather encouraged. It is as well, however, to guide this wonderful energy of children into the right channels. If a child thinks he is being watched, he will not do anything at all; but without any apparent watching, by a few suggestions here and there and occasionally entering into the “fun,” parents can guide and greatly help the physical development of their children. Children take quickly to running and jumping movements, which increase the amount of oxygen, renewing the blood and building up tissue. All exercise should be taken where the air is pure, and the less clothing needed the better. The healthy child will progress more quickly in his studies than the sickly one; his brain is better nourished, and will also be more controllable. There is little fear of children overdoing; when they become tired, they will rest without being told to do so. The effect of games is general; in any exercise given for more special effect, the more of abandon and the play spirit introduced, without detracting from the exercise, the greater the benefit derived from it. Even for the child who is naturally strong and inherits a strong constitution, it is as well to give some guidance to his sports and means of physical development. As soon as school begins, the child often acquires bad habits of sitting and standing,—round shoulders, drooping head, or curvature of the spine. If these are not corrected, they develop into serious deformities, which may take years to overcome in later life. It is well to examine children occasionally at this age. Let them stand in an upright position, arms at sides and heels together. Notice if there is any difference in the height of the shoulders or hips. If there is, this should be attended to at once; as the sooner a curvature of the spine is attended to, the quicker and better the results. The thin, weakly child should have constant attention given to his physical development. With the right means taken, there is no reason why all weakness should not be overcome; the flat, contracted chest raised and broadened, the thin neck rounded, the drooping head held erect, and health, strength, and beauty of form be attained.—Cecil Buscall.