Shadow?

[SignMeUp]

I have seen the term "shadow" used here as a child supervision technique.
It isn't a term I have heard before, related to childcare.
Can someone explain precisely how you use this technique?
Thanks

[cheerfuldom]

This means that you are on that kid all the time. Everywhere you go, they come with you. They are under direct supervision and within arm's reach at all times so that you can intervene as you see inappropriate behavior happen and also, so you can observe triggers for bad behavior. If you are changing diapers, kid stands right next to you the whole time or place a chair for them to sit next to you. They are your shadow essentially. Restricting their freedom in a way that still allows you to do your job but also knowing that this child is right there at all times and carefully supervised. Works well for kids that are biting and hitting.

[deliberateliterate]

Would that still work if the child in question was still crawling? I have one that I'm trying my best to stay close to, but she's a crawler. And she weighs a ton. I can't see her either following direction enough to crawl beside me, or me holding her the majority of the day.

[mountainside13]

This means that you are on that kid all the time. Everywhere you go, they come with you. They are under direct supervision and within arm's reach at all times so that you can intervene as you see inappropriate behavior happen and also, so you can observe triggers for bad behavior. If you are changing diapers, kid stands right next to you the whole time or place a chair for them to sit next to you. They are your shadow essentially. Restricting their freedom in a way that still allows you to do your job but also knowing that this child is right there at all times and carefully supervised. Works well for kids that are biting and hitting.

[SignMeUp]

Do you expect them to follow you, or do you take them by the hand?
What age group do you use this with?
Thanks again

[mountainside13]

Would that still work if the child in question was still crawling? I have one that I'm trying my best to stay close to, but she's a crawler. And she weighs a ton. I can't see her either following direction enough to crawl beside me, or me holding her the majority of the day.

Then you should shadow the little one, it's a bit harder then having a older kid shadow you.

[craftymissbeth]

Would that still work if the child in question was still crawling? I have one that I'm trying my best to stay close to, but she's a crawler. And she weighs a ton. I can't see her either following direction enough to crawl beside me, or me holding her the majority of the day.

The concept works for all ages, IMO. With a crawler I would put them in some sort of "containment" while doing things like changing diapers or cooking. For play time, I would either keep moving them to where I want them or have a section of the playroom just for them closed off. Two super yards put together with toys just for them is a big enough space where they don't feel so contained, but they're still separate from the group.

Eta: like mountainside said, shadowing can go both ways. They're your shadow or you're theirs.

[mountainside13]

Do you expect them to follow you, or do you take them by the hand?
What age group do you use this with?
Thanks again

I expect most of them to follow me, I will hold their hand if they are younger. It also depends on the individual child. My current shadow is 3.5 years old and he just follows me. When the 18 month old needs shadowing I have to shadow her because she will just take off ::