THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER AS OBSERVED IN THE WELL BABY CLINIC

Abstract

Workers in modern well baby clinics have seen the necessity of studying and directing the psychic as well as the physical life of the infant. Habit training, modes of punishment and methods of education are as intrinsic a concern of the well baby clinic as are the regulation of diet and hours of sleep. There is, however, a marked difference in the ability to judge the results and, consequently, to deal with the management in the two fields. It is comparatively simple to ascertain whether the prescribed regimen is beneficial to the physical development of the infant. One need only observe the weight, height and muscle tone and compare these observations with an average standard. In accordance with the observations the regimen for the particular infant is changed. But what standards are there by which to check the results of treatment in the psychic development of the infant? In fact,