Lack of training in self-control
Preventing nervousness is a matter of preventing these causes; overcoming is a matter of removing the cause and conducting a constructive program of physical régime and psychological treatment. The physical régime will include regularity, free outdoor life and play, open-air sleeping, frequent rest periods, nutritious diet, with special attention to sufficiency of mineral and laxative foods, and use of relaxing or energizing exercises.
Rhythm through instrumental music that is listened to, or in dancing, marching, gymnastic exercises, and singing, is of great value in overcoming nervousness. Cheerful, happy, comfortable stories and pictures will supply mental images to replace the disturbing ones, especially before bedtime.
Relief from intestinal worms and local irritation, or circumcision, may remove the cause of masturbation. The child’s questions regarding sex phenomena should always be answered wholesomely, reverently, sufficiently to give him a true perspective and to satisfy his natural curiosity.
The substitution of large muscle work, as with large blocks, balls, carpenter tools, will provide activity without taxing nerve ends of fingers. Examination by the oculist (not optician) will locate eyestrain. Opportunity for expression of wholesome emotions and interests will remove tension and sense of suppression.
Interests or emotions that appear unwholesome or abnormal should be patiently and thoroughly analyzed to discover the germ of good that is in them, and to utilize this; consultation with a physician, teacher, minister, social worker, or psychologist, may be enlightening. Wholesome emotions and interests should have encouragement for full expression, limited by the strength of the child and courtesy due to others.
Detect fatigue symptoms: (a) the tenseness shown by flushed face, rapid, labored breathing, excitement, erratic movements; or (b) relaxation shown by listlessness, indifference, irritability, forgetfulness. Fatigue not only overstrains the nerves; it develops poisons in the blood that affect the whole system.
Fears are a difficult problem. Make a list of the things it is observed the child fears, such as the dark, cats, dogs, flies, etc. Gradually, slowly, patiently lead him to acquaintance with these, and therefore to his own destruction of the fear. Teach him to memorize quotations that ring with confidence, faith, courage.
Cultivate self-control through regularity of regimen, the example of poise, the denying of any object that is screamed for, or cried for, the inculcating of an ideal of self-control through story-telling.
Sex Hygiene. This is both a physiological and a psychological problem. Both phases must always be recognized.