F SECRET VICE

1. The attention of the little folks is often drawn to the sexual
organs by a sensation of itching which accompanies a state of
uncleanliness and filth. The genitals must be kept scrupulously clean.
Elsewhere in this book we paid our respects to the rubber diaper, and
we wish to reiterate at this time that it is in all probability
responsible for a great deal of masturbation. The constant moisture
and heat keeps the genital organs in a state of congestion which is
more or less accompanied by itching sensations.

2. A long or tight foreskin in the male child favors the accumulation
of secretions which not only occasion itching sensations but
oftentimes are the cause of convulsions in early infancy. In the case
of the female, a tight foreskin over the clitoris will retain
secretions which also cause an itching sensation.

3. Unscrupulous nurses sometimes actually teach these little fellows
to masturbate.

4. Lying in bed on the back with a full bladder, in the case of the
boy, often produces an erection of the penis, and this is usually
accompanied by a feeling of fullness which serves to direct the mind
to the genital organs.

5. Lying in bed alone with nothing to do but to investigate often
results in secret vice.

6. The unwise practice of allowing children to visit each other over
night and sleep together, is often productive of mischief.

7. Constantly telling a little girl to keep her feet down, to keep her
dress down, makes her over conscious of sex and otherwise causes the
attention to be directed in unhealthy channels.

8. Teasing a child unnecessarily about a little sweetheart often
produces an emotional reaction which is not altogether desirable.
These suggestions are especially bad in the older children.

9. Unwise sex knowledge is usually productive of curious
investigations, which if not properly followed up, particularly in
those children who are temperamentally secretive, and who do not fully
confide in mother and father, often results in moral misdemeanors.

10. Do not allow two young children habitually to isolate themselves
in their play. Direct their play away from the attic, the basement,
and other places remote from direct observation.

There is no use telling a child not to touch that part of his body,
particularly if it is a boy, for it is going to be absolutely
impossible for him to carry out such instructions. One mother
overheard her caretaker say, "Don't put your ha