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consequent to the rapid emotional development. It is also the
period in which the risk of exposure to infectious disease is increased
because the child can run about and mix with others.
The aim of these clinics is to provide parents with help in the
handling of their children whenever this is sought, and, by general
health supervision, to prevent disease where possible, and also to
assist towards full recovery after illness so that children do not
pass on with, for example, chronic infection of the ear, nose or
throat, or with emotional disturbances which will hamper their
adjustment to school life.
It is found that mothers welcome the opportunity of discussing
the various problems incident on bringing up children of these
ages, especially so at present, when many of them are bearing the
whole responsibility of the care of the family while their husbands
are serving in the Forces.
A total of 570 children were under the supervision of the
Toddlers Clinics during 1942. of these 55 per cent. were found to
have some defect or to require special care. The relative frequency
of defects found is set out below. It is interesting to note that
infections of the ear, nose and throat, and nervous disorders of
sufficient degree to make the mother complain about them spontaneously,
were of equal incidence.

Note: Nervous Disorders=Over excitable or overtired.
Disturbances of sleep.
Feeding difficulties.
Enuresis.
Retarded mental development from
any cause.