The training of neglectful and unsatisfactory mothers.

Abstract

Intelligent observation, awareness of danger signals, and unflagging interest in the individual child are therefore the prime desiderata in teachers, health visitors, welfare officers, and other social workers who come in contact with people in their homes and with children at school. If the workers have these qualities, early recognition and reversal of harmful trends are practicable; if they have not these qualities, no amount of psychological theorizing, sentimental concern or well-intentioned interference will avail to recognize trouble early and correct what is wrong. When the situation has been spotted as detrimental to the child, the main effort must be directed towards ensuring for the child an improved domestic and, it may be, scholastic and social milieu. This may range from referring him to the children’s officer, for placement away from home, to arranging psychiatric treatment for his mildly psychotic mother, or from special coaching in arithmetic and reading, to providing a permissive atmosphere with much opportunity for play and group activities with other children.