The healthy state of a child's mind begins at home.
Early years are very important both for the development of emotional life as well as thought patterns and intellect.
All development is easier if there is a foundation of robust physical health.
When infants display signs of irregular or erratic behavior, stress reactions and nervous problems that are indicative of some imbalance in the psyche it can cause parents great concern as to the means of correction.
Sometimes the causes are not known or whether the problems are the result of physiological chemistry or deeper neurological or psychological factors.
In seeking a remedy, the obvious first attention is to nutrition.
Although parents try their best to provide good food and sufficient for their children's health, basic poor nutrition is frequently unrecognized but must be addressed.
For decades the familiar cry of nutritionists that American and Australian children are 'overfed and undernourished' has failed to be generally understood as being based upon the necessity for quality.
It refers to the need for natural, fresh, wholesome and unprocessed or vitamin -rich food that provides nutrients for the brain as well as body.
The psychological needs of children although simple and well known in theory, are sensitive issues in practice when family life is generally complex.
Comparatively little quality time is given by busy parents to nurturing the subtler aspects of each individual soul in the family group, through private discussion, generous affection and personal encouragement to each.
How to accomplish this is the task of each family aided by the hard won experiences of previous parents, grandparents and by reference to the enduring values common to every generation.
However, without discipline in the home it is not possible to fulfil any parental plan and modern life presents many opportunities to exercise extensions of it in dealing with such new factors as mobile phones, television, electronic games and all other technological toys and 'advances' that we are persuaded will make our life happier.
There are some people who offer hints to remind us of some success in households that have instituted quiet meal times and disciplined conversation to provide one answer as does the bedtime story tradition, now often rejected because of television.
It may be easier to consider the nature of our home care opportunities to fulfill the child's needs than be able to find the time and the wisdom in applying the theory.
It is our ability to achieve time management that will influence the results and give evidence in happy, well adjusted children.
Reminders are simple - Need to give and receive affection Instill the values you believe are a priority - kindness, truth, helping others etc.
Encourage the exercise of their natural skills and talents Provide opportunities for them to develop constructive and creative hobbies Nurture their self understanding and self confidence Give them a concept of potential careers and work requiring present and future skills Help them to formulate simple mental affirmations to strengthen or assist their needs and desires Read to them thoughts to help them later formulate their own philosophy Provide a sense of security in the home that protects them and encourages a sense of self worth both as an individual and within the bounds of family life.