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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 9 (January 1, 1934)

The Child And Summertime

The Child And Summertime.

During the summer season it is important to plan a change in the children's daily diet. For the time being cut down the mushy foods such as porridge, frequent milk puddings etc., and the meat ration. For the morning meal, substitute crisp cereals, fruit such as prunes, figs or raisins, and crisp toast with honey.

The children's menu should include salads, fresh fruit (raw and cooked) fruit jelly, milk jelly, and junket, vegetables and vegetable soups, fish and eggs. Nuts are also nutritious, but must be well chewed or they may cause indigestion. Give water and fruit drinks between meals—not during a meal. Three simple and regular meals are sufficient for good health, and there should be no “pieces” in between. Sweets and cakes should be avoided as far as possible. From an early age, children should be trained to chew their food thoroughly. The most common cause of indigestion is wrong feeding and imperfectly masticated food. Have meals out of doors when possible.

During the hot weather the clothing should be very light, perhaps only a bathing or sun suit, but a cardigan or woollen pullover must always be available, as the weather is often changeable, especially at the seaside. Wide-brimmed hats must be worn to protect the eyes, and the back of the head and neck. The children's sun-bathing should be supervised. Provide them with a ground sheet to avoid chills if sun-bathing in the open. Sun baths should be taken during the morning or afternoon, avoiding the strong mid-day sun. It is a mistake to try to harden a child by over-exposure to strong sunshine. Rest during the hottest part of the day is also essential for the well-being of the child.

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