If you wish to bend forward, the pivot is at the hips; the spine should not be bent at all. When a child is reminded that his posture is wrong, he is apt to straighten up with a jerk, throw his shoulders far back and thrust his chest forward like a pouter pigeon. This is almost as bad as the other extreme, for it is unnatural, and after a few minutes, they gradually return to their former stoop. The natural posture is easy and graceful and can be held longer than any other.
What should be your motto? What do children need? What do their bodies and brains require?
What position should be taken when lying in bed? What should be done with the limbs? What of bad dreams? How can you avoid the habit of snoring?
Who needs the most sleep? What is said of night and day? What of taking naps through the day? When should you avoid sleep?
What of standing and sitting? What ought your posture to be when walking? What is the right way to breathe? What must be guarded against when in the school-room or at home?
What will a good many children find, if they notice their posture when studying their lessons? What will show a boy that his position is wrong?
What is the right way to bend forward? What of the spine? What is a child apt to do when shown that his position at the desk is wrong? What have you to say of this?
CHAPTER XIII.
PURE AIR, CLOTHING, ETC.
There can be no good health without pure air. Always have it if possible. Before you lie down to sleep at night, make sure your windows are lowered at the top and slightly raised at the bottom, so that the room is well ventilated. If the bed has enough covering, you will sleep much better if the air is fresh and cool.