As a parent and as a physician dealing primarily with children, I wish to express my gratitude to Margery Mc-Mullin for placing her years of rich experience at our disposal. Within these pages lie practical suggestions and helpful hints which should concern all persons who are in any way connected with children.

When I first learned she was writing this book, I said, "Hurry and finish it. We really need such a treasure chest. "

For the past fourteen years, Mrs. McMullin has been the inspiration, the guiding force, and the most tireless worker of The Handicapped Childrens Home Service. This unique organization has brought constructive recreation and companionship to many children in New York City. These small prisoners, deprived of the normal relationships and experiences a youngster should have, are referred to the Service by the social service departments of hospitals where they have been treated.

At one time, Mrs. McMullin was a bewildered mother who sought every available way of amusing her own little son who had become an invalid. After his death she worked as a volunteer in New York Hospital, bringing cheer to other sick youngsters. The Service began when she was requested by a New York Hospital physician to visit six cardiac patients who were homebound.

As more patients were referred to her, she gradually trained other volunteer visitors. Today, almost forty volunteer workers from all walks of life are on her staff. Not only the patient, but the entire family, looks forward to the weekly visits these people make to their homes. These visitors do not merely amuse the child but actually stimulate his latent imaginational capacities.

The Service has handled all types of chronically disabling diseases, such as various kinds of heart trouble, polio, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, nephritis, tuberculosis, and other long continuing ailments.

We know that boredom is the greatest problem confronting a child confined to his home for any length of time. If not properly stimulated, both the child and his parents become overwhelmed by hopelessness and futility.

But in building up the young patient's morale, it would be disastrous to attempt to teach him something he is incapable of learning. Furthermore, if he is restricted physically it is impossible for him even to try those activities requiring manual dexterity. Each child must be treated as an individual. What may appeal to one youngster will hold no interest for another. It is important to encourage in the older child hobbies which may later become a vocation.

As Mrs. McMullin has pointed out, a radio or television set, even a home teacher, can not completely supply what the young invalid needs. She states so succinctly, "The child needs to forget the things he cannot do and be shown what he can do! "

Many young patients have learned to paint, make costume jewelry, build model planes, sew aprons, knit sweaters, socks and other items. Some of these articles are sold and the child is paid (by The Service)-a reward for his labors. This helps him know there is a place in society for him even though he may be handicapped.

The Service, however, does more than teach handicrafts; its intangible contributions to the children it visits are just as real as the practical benefits. To a homebound child, who has been shut off-perhaps for years-from social contacts with other people, the Service visitor means that he is not forgotten; that in spite of his handicap he still has something to offer to a friend from the outside world.

This is a practical manual filled with suggestions that any family can follow without financial strain. It should be a valuable addition to the library of every home and in all hospitals which have a children's ward.

As the book is used, it will serve as a spark to ignite the imagination of the child and his family. Once the flame begins to burn brightly, new ideas will arise. The sick youngster will have a new countenance as he develops stimulating interests. He will no longer be apathetic or demanding, whining or self-pitying. Even his physical condition will improve in many instances because he is happy, busy, and has no time to brood. Finally, both the invalid and his family will share a greater joy when they realize that there are things which he can do well.

Mathilde May Gould, M. D.

Attending Staff Childrens Service

Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City