nce of guarding the child from extending such activities to its
sexual organs, which, because they possess the most sensitive nerve
endings in the body, are most liable to lead to habitual manipulation.
In the light of such facts, it is nonsense to assume, as so many good
mothers have done, that only innately vicious children learn
masturbation. The truth is that in the case of most children under
twelve this habit has an origin no more vicious than such habits as
thumb-sucking; and in all cases of habits, parents and others
responsible for the children should be given the blame.

[Sidenote: Other suggestions for parents.]

The following suggestions in addition to those above are likely to help
parents do much towards avoiding or solving the early sex problems of
their children. These facts apply also to later years.

Have children sleep on a hard mattress. The old-time feather bed was
dangerous. There should be light-weight covers, and the room cool.
Children should sleep on either side, _rarely_ in the unnatural back
position. Aim to have regular sleeping hours; but do not send children
to bed unsupervised when they are excited and not tired enough for
immediate sleep. Have them arise as soon as wide awake in the morning.
Never punish children by sending them to bed.

[Sidenote: Dangers of privacy.]

Do not leave children to their own devices; they may naturally fall
into dangerous play. Privacy is often demanded by the moods of adults,
but it is dangerous for children. A certain camp for boys has the
commendable rule that the boys have no privacy during the entire
summer. Many educators and physicians condemn private bedrooms or
cubicles in schools for boys.

[Sidenote: Athletics.]

A strenuous life of physical and mental activity is the best solution
of personal control of sexual instincts. Reasonable athletics and study
make an ideal combination for both boys and girls. And yet we must not
trust absolutely to athletics or other physical work, for there are
certainly many individuals whose sexual desires are not controlled by
muscular exercise. Much of the formal athletic training may have no
more influence on sexual control than dogmatic creeds.

[Sidenote: Drugs.]

Strong condiments and alcoholic drinks are known to be sexual excitants
for many people, and for this and other hygienic reasons should be
forbidden to children. There is a widespread, but still undemonstrated
opinion that tea, coffee, tobacc