ildren suck their
handkerchiefs, or bite holes in their aprons and neckties.

Children often bite their finger nails, and a habit of this kind fully
developed during early childhood often remains with them throughout
life; whenever a nervous spell seizes them they instantly begin to
bite their finger nails. Other people pick their nose when nervous, so
during very early childhood these habits should be discouraged. One
mother helped her little son by beautifully manicuring his nails for
him each week. Another child was cured by old-fashioned spanking. The
finger tips may be painted with tincture of aloes, or dipping the tips
of the fingers in strong quinine water will sometimes help. I know of
nothing better for the adolescent child than to teach him how properly
to manicure his own nails. Another bad habit that children often get
into is stooping or allowing the shoulders to become rounded. Shoulder
braces are not indicated in these cases. The children should be
allowed to enter the gymnasium or the father should take off his coat
and vest and go through gymnasium stunts with the boy. The mother can
do the same for the girl. It is often the case that round-shouldered
children are near sighted. The child really has to stoop to see
things. When a child holds his head to one side constantly on looking
at objects, astigmatism, an error of eyesight, is usually indicated.
An eye specialist should be consulted, the eyes examined, and properly
fitted eye glasses should be worn.

Just as early as possible in the life of the little child he should be
taught to blow his nose, to spit out the coughed up mucus from his
lungs, to hold out his tongue for inspection and to allow his throat
to be examined. He should be taught to gargle, and to regard the
physician as one of his best friends. Attention to these minor
accomplishments will make it very easy indeed for the physician in
case of illness.

CHAPTER XXXVII

THE POWER OF POSITIVE SUGGESTIONS

A child is the most imitative creature in the world. Before he is out
of pinafores he tries to talk and act just like his elders. It is
because of this inherent tendency to say and do those very things
which he hears others say and do, that, if faith-thoughts are early
and constantly suggested to the unfolding mind of the child they will
assist greatly in evolving a character of joy, confidence, and
courage. On the other hand, if fear-thoughts are continuously sown in
the you