Handicaps of Childhood

by H. Addington (Henry Addington) Bruce

"Handicaps of Childhood" by H. Addington Bruce is a psychological guide written in the early 20th century. The book explores the ramifications of various emotional and behavioral issues in children, emphasizing the critical importance of early moral and mental training by parents. It centers on the idea that early neglect in fostering qualities like self-control and empathy can lead to significant lifelong disadvantages. The opening of the work begins with a preface where the author introduces the primary theme: the consequences of inadequate moral upbringing in children. Bruce outlines the significance of understanding behaviors such as jealousy and sulkiness as potential danger signals indicative of deeper issues. He stresses the necessity for parents to recognize these signs early and addresses many facets of child development, where the right interventions can prevent emotional issues from persisting into adulthood. The text provides a contextual framework for understanding the mental states and behaviors of children and urges a reevaluation of parental responsibility in fostering healthy emotional development.