When a child is born, he is unable to fix his gaze on any object before he reaches six weeks, nor do his two eyes work together in seeing things before he reaches three months. It is known that a squint in infancy — that is, before three months — is not an

important matter; what matters is that the eyes appear healthy and the gaze straight, whether the child looks at something far or near. If the eyes are not straight in their gaze, the condition is called a deviation of vision.

Many among us believe that the

deviation of the eye is caused by some frightening accident that befell the mother during pregnancy, or the child himself. Some mothers likewise attribute this condition to the envy of a neighbor, or to what common folk call 'he was struck by the eye,' while others insist that the child crosses his eyes out of deliberate mischief and 'devilment.' There is no doubt whatever that these beliefs are mere delusion — indeed, absurdities of no value.

Squint in the eyes has definite causes, which can be forestalled in infancy or treated when they occur — that is, if the mother is wise. But if she is one of those who believe in superstitions and trifles, she may deprive her child of the chance of treatment at the onset of the deviation, and leave him with disfigured sight all his life. There is, moreover, another belief among mothers: that squint in a child rights itself with the passing days — and this is impossible.

Crossed eyes cause two great harms:

First — the child develops from them an inferiority complex from his earliest years, which stays with him all his life as a result of the way others look at him. He is always difficult of temper, quick to anger, on his guard against others, withdrawn into himself. One must therefore hasten to correct the squint in his eyes before these painful traits, which never mend, take root in his soul.

Second — the child does not use his deviated eye, and so its power weakens gradually. If five years pass over the child and his eye has not been corrected, he will never use it. And if the defect in the eye is corrected after the five years have passed, the correction takes place in outward appearance only; the movement of the eye will never return to its natural state.

This is apart from the fact that

Grown adults have a close connection with the development of the child's personality and the polishing of his inner nature, for through their agreeable companionship with the child they reflect to him the manner of treating others well. But this method is slow, because the child is not born well-mannered — though he has the potentialities to become so. In his conduct he resembles primitive man, who cares for nothing but the satisfaction of his personal desires. Thanks to knowledge, sound social guidance, and a calm family atmosphere, the child changes his selfish outlook on life. But this change requires a long time, and parents must accept it with fair patience as something natural.

There is no doubt that a child is readier than others to bear responsibilities if he finds himself in a cheerful surrounding.

Let us set theories aside and take examples from our real life. Sometimes a visitor comes to you who is fond of your child, but the child shies away from him and displays before him gestures that betray a want of upbringing — what is to be done!! The best way to change your child's view of your guest is by changing his feeling toward him: you must encourage him to love visitors. And your own attitude toward your child has a great effect, for if you use tactful ways in your dealing with him, he will imitate you in his dealing with visitors and with grown-ups; he is, in a way, the mirror that reflects your conduct.

As for laying responsibility upon the child, as a rule he should bear a responsibility that suits his wishes, and with time he grows accustomed to bearing greater responsibilities.

Among the truest of the theories I have studied in the art of raising children is the one which says that the child is like dough, turning and changing according to the will of the one who rears him. The child comes into the world with his potentialities, which need developing, and the way society develops them determines the child's character. Among the most important things that determine the child's character are the relations and conduct of the parents with each other, their relations and conduct with others, and their relations and conduct with the child himself.