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139
Much good educational work has been undertaken during the year by the
Dietitian, who gives valuable detailed advice on diet to individual mothers.
In this field of individual teaching there is room for skilled instruction to
mothers in dealing with the problems of child management. Few of the
mothers have any knowledge of dealing with the unfolding mind of childhood,
and many are utterly confused when difficulties arise. During a
busy Child Welfare Session, it is only possible, owing to lack of time,
to tackle these problems cursorily. There is great need in tine future to concentrate
more on this side of the work, and in this connection, doctors undertaking
Child Welfare work should be acquainted with recent advances in
Psychology.
Scientists are agreed that it is in the pre-school years that the whole
foundation of the child's character is laid—the Maternity and Child Welfare
service has then a glorious opportunity and a great responsibility. We must
take full advantage of this opportunity.
That some instruction in the laws of health and in infant care could, with
advantage, be given to school children is undoubted. At the time of writing,
therefore, a class for school girls is being held at the Welfare Centre. The
education of the father, too, comes within the scope of the work, and it is
hoped that we shall be able to tackle this problem in the near future.
In Health Week we had an original piece of Health Propaganda in the
form of a Toddlers' Revue. The object was to stimulate interest and enthusiasm
in the child and his environment through the artistic senses.
A rhythmic exercise class for children between three and five years of
age has been held throughout the year, directed by Mrs. Sykes, a trained
voluntary worker. These children gave a display of movements and dancing
entitled "The Dawn of Health" and "The Dance of the Germs." A series
of tableaux of children throughout the ages led up to a scene in which a
group of children in model garments displayed the ideals of modern children's
clothing—comfortable, hygienic and beautiful, and served to direct the
mothers' minds to the importance of correct clothing as an aid to health.
Dental drill and a tableaux of silhouettes "Coming to the Welfare Centre"
completed the entertainment, and there is no doubt that the Revue produced
the desired results.
Steady endeavour and constant enthusiasm on the part of the staff is
essential in a successful Maternity and Child Welfare service, and I take
this opportunity of thanking all those who have helped in the uphill task.