Do You Justify Your Childcare Style?

[debbiedoeszip]

<<<My 9 mo dcb is a freakin' lunatic on Mondays. Each weekday gets better, and by Thursday he's usually content to play and explore. He's close to the most intense kid I've ever had, and I have a deep bond with him, since I was at his birth (friend's child).

The one I have the hardest time explaining it to is his mom, of course. She does not understand group care, nor does she get that it's actually better for him to be independent. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I just watched a documentary on Netflix called "Babies". It features four babies from around the world, and from very different cultures, and it focuses on each baby's development. There is a baby from the US (or maybe Canada), a baby from a desert tribe in Namibia, a baby from a yurt-dwelling family in Mongolia, and a baby from a city in Japan. There is no narration, only footage of the babies/families going about their business.

None of the babies are neglected, but two of them (Namibia and Mongolia) are often left to their own devices (though the surroundings are active and stimulating due to a rural or outdoor lifestyle). These two babies are rarely "fussy" and seem much more able to self-sooth than the US/Canadian or Japanese babies.

I laughed when after a scene with the Namibian baby, where he's having naked tummy time on the (sandy, dirty, rock/gravel strew) desert floor, they show the US (or Canadian) baby having tummy time (clothed) and the dad starts lint-rolling the baby (or rather the onesie she's wearing). What a contrast in "standards" LOL.

All four babies seemed to reach developmental milestones at roughly the same time.

[Heidi]

<<<My 9 mo dcb is a freakin' lunatic on Mondays. Each weekday gets better, and by Thursday he's usually content to play and explore. He's close to the most intense kid I've ever had, and I have a deep bond with him, since I was at his birth (friend's child).

The one I have the hardest time explaining it to is his mom, of course. She does not understand group care, nor does she get that it's actually better for him to be independent. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I just watched a documentary on Netflix called "Babies". It features four babies from around the world, and from very different cultures, and it focuses on each baby's development. There is a baby from the US (or maybe Canada), a baby from a desert tribe in Namibia, a baby from a yurt-dwelling family in Mongolia, and a baby from a city in Japan. There is no narration, only footage of the babies/families going about their business.

None of the babies are neglected, but two of them (Namibia and Mongolia) are often left to their own devices (though the surroundings are active and stimulating due to a rural or outdoor lifestyle). These two babies are rarely "fussy" and seem much more able to self-sooth than the US/Canadian or Japanese babies.

I laughed when after a scene with the Namibian baby, where he's having naked tummy time on the (sandy, dirty, rock/gravel strew) desert floor, they show the US (or Canadian) baby having tummy time (clothed) and the dad starts lint-rolling the baby (or rather the onesie she's wearing). What a contrast in "standards" LOL.

All four babies seemed to reach developmental milestones at roughly the same time.

I've never gotten to see that whole movie. I have to put it on my list!

[debbiedoeszip]

It was absolutely fascinating. I totally recommend it.

[SignMeUp]

Infancy and Caregiving

I'm going to date my self here, but there is a great book that addresses caring for infants in a respectful way that is in NO way AP.
It's called Infancy and Caregiving, by Janet Gonzalez-Mena and Dianne Widmeyer Eyer.
It's all about giving them the space to observe, listen, smell, feel their environment, thereby learning. And allowing them to move to new places/stages when they are able to do so.
I lovethis it

Apparently there is a new version: http://www.amazon.com/Infants-Toddle.../dp/0078024358 though this looks like it may be a textbook or curriculum guide

[Blackcat31]

I'm going to date my self here, but there is a great book that addresses caring for infants in a respectful way that is in NO way AP.
It's called Infancy and Caregiving, by Janet Gonzalez-Mena and Dianne Widmeyer Eyer.
It's all about giving them the space to observe, listen, smell, feel their environment, thereby learning. And allowing them to move to new places/stages when they are able to do so.
I lovethis it

Apparently there is a new version: http://www.amazon.com/Infants-Toddle.../dp/0078024358 though this looks like it may be a textbook or curriculum guide

It's the same book we used in our infant/toddler curriculum course....as a textbook.

It IS a great reference/resource book though!

[TaylorTots]

Yes, I am still in that stage where often I follow up a policy with a justification. It's lessening as time goes by. I find that I justify a lot less if I just send home a note then try to talk about it.

[TaylorTots]

It's the same book we used in our infant/toddler curriculum course....as a textbook.

It IS a great reference/resource book though!

We used it for that purpose as well!

[Bookworm]

My big crybabies are not babies (I only enroll 18 months+) they're 3 and 4 years old. And if you give them an inch, they'll cry until they get a mile...at home. Not at my house, cupcakes! My favorite thing to do when they start crying over something ridiculous (mostly sharing issues) is to stare at them. Just look at them. It's pretty funny, because the first few times it really freaked them out. But 99% of the time, they will talk it out themselves and decide that A can have the toy for a 10 minutes, then A agrees to give K the toy for a 10 minutes. It's seriously been amazing watching them resolve their own issues! I used to try and solve every single problem, but at some point I gave up. And started staring.

This is so me. I inherited an excellent stink-eye from my grandma. I can give a luck that can stop time.

[Unregistered]

I think it depends on each individual situation and kid. I am NOT an AP parent or supporter in any way but....

I think some one-on-one and/or cuddle time throughout the day is important for each child. Even just connecting for a few moments with a pat on the back, hug, high five, etc.

I think it's a tough situation. Yes, they need to be able to play on their own. Nope, we are not a mama octopus with eight arms. I just think it's important connect with each child throughout the day.

A crying nine month old isn't going to be happy with a pat on the back or being held for a minute or two. I understand where you are coming from. It's always hard for those looking in from the outside!

It's the same for elementary teachers. You can go into a class, see a teacher being tough on a kid and think the teacher is gruff and mean. Little do you know she has addressed this 100 times with this kid, tried every behavior management technique and has had it with this kid!