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Child
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functions of the various organs and their relation and dependence.
They should study the relation of the mental to the physical powers
and the conditions required for the healthy action of each. To assume
the responsibilities of parenthood without such preparation is a sin.
Far too little thought is given to the causes underlying the mor-
tality, the disease and degeneracy, that exist today even in the most
civilized and favored lands. The human race is deteriorating. More
than one third die in infancy
Of those who reach manhood and
womanhood, by far the greater number suffer from disease in some
form, and but few reach the limit of human life.
Most of the evils that are bringing misery and ruin to the race
might be prevented, and the power to deal with them rests to a great
degree with parents. It is not a “mysterious providence” that removes
little children by death. God does not want them to die. He gives
them to the parents to be trained for usefulness here and for heaven
hereafter. If fathers and mothers would do what they might to give
their children a good inheritance, and then by right management
endeavor to remedy any wrong conditions of their birth, what a
change for the better the world might see!
The Care of Infants
The more quiet and simple the life of the child, the more favor-
able it will be for both physical and mental development. At all times
the mother should endeavor to be quiet, calm, and self-possessed.
Many infants are extremely susceptible to nervous excitement, and
the mother’s gentle, unhurried manner will have a soothing influence
that will be of untold benefit to the child.
Babies require warmth, but a serious error often is committed
in keeping them in overheated rooms, deprived to a great degree of
fresh air. The practice of covering the infant’s face while sleeping is
harmful, since it prevents free respiration.
The baby should be kept free from every influence that would
tend to weaken or poison the system. The most scrupulous care
should be taken to have everything about it sweet and clean. While
The statement concerning infant mortality was correct at the time it was written in
1905. However, modern medicine and proper child care have greatly reduced the mortality
rate in infancy and childhood in many countries.—Publisher
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