Diapering (p.79-82)Quotes discussed in class: A baby gets diapered six or seven thousand times p. 79 “The outcome of this style of diapering is that it frequently becomes mechanical and depersonalized for efficiency’s sake. The infant also may receive several negative messages, such as: that caring for the body and the body’s processes are offensive, or that care activities are not enjoyable times together” (p. 80). Feeding (p.83-90)Quotes discussed in class: “A baby who has gotten into the habit of constant snacks may never experience real hunger nor real satiation and may develop a constant pseudo-need to suck and a continuous appetite for food” (p. 84) “I prefer babies to be fed in their parents’ or carers’ laps until they have matured enough to sit securely and to get in and out of their size-appropriate stool, bench, or chairs by themselves” (p. 87) “Food should not be used as bribery or a reward. For instance, giving a baby a bottle so he will go to sleep confuses two of the most important primary needs” (p. 89) Sleeping (p. 91-96)Quotes discussed in class: “Unfortunately, in our busy society too few infants are given the opportunity to follow a natural, predictable daily routine. Often infants must adapt to the schedules of other members of the family. That means infants are not allowed to follow their biological clocks” (p. 91) “Waking up in a crib with no memory of having been put there can be disorienting and scary” (p. 93) “Remember, nobody can make another person fall asleep. How to relax and let sleep come is a skill your child, like everybody else, must learn all by herself” (94). Take AwayMagda believes that these care giving habits are the perfect time to connect with your child in a meaningful way. She calls it educaring. We care while we educate and educate while we care. For example, when diapering, treating an infant with respect would mean including them in the process by telling them what you are doing, what your expectations are, and bringing them into the changing process when you can. More Resources & Reading
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Chapter 2: Caregiving Routines: one-to-one with full attentionDiscussion Quote: "The natural time to be wholeheartedly with your child is the time you do spend together anyway- while you care for your baby. Think of these 'taking-care-of routines as very special, the refueling time for both of you - time for intimate togetherness" p. 5 Chapter 3: On Teaching and LearningDiscussion Quote: "When you teach a child something, you take away forever his chance of discovering it for himself" -Jean Piaget p. 12 Chapter Takeaway: Magda believes in trusting infants to take the lead on their own learning. Parents should not interfere because the parents do not know when it is the best time for a child to learn something. Therefore, Magda encourages parents to observe their infants exploring a safe environment. She writes, "When infants have enough space, safe space, they will do exactly the movements that they are ready for -because they have the opportunity" (p. 13). By allowing repeated exposure to the same toys and by allowing kids to repeatedly perform the same task (even if the parent feels bored or like the child should be doing something else), children will learn more and gain more confidence in their abilities. She believes the parent's role is teach the child about every day life. Every day life includes the child's feelings (thirst, sadness, etc), about his belongings (clothing), or about your concerns (the street is not safe). (p. 14) Chapter 4: Time Apart: A Space for your BabyDiscussion Quote: "Children who have learned to rely on being stimulated, manipulated and entertained by adults may lose their capacities to be absorbed in independent, exploratory activities" (p. 18) Chapter Takeaway: Magda believes babies should have a peaceful, safe place to explore freely and independently. A safe space is one that does not require parents to monitor the child (so furniture is secured, toys are not too small, and a gate to keep baby in, etc.), and the space should be free of over stimulation from television, beeping toys, or constant people. She believes independent play should be encouraged because parents cannot be fully attentive parents if they are constantly with their child (parents need time to refuel) and children do not need constant attention (p.18) Additional InformationBased on the topics that came up during our discussion, I have curated some additional resources from reputable sites for your continuing education.
-Attachment Parenting -Janet Lansbury (Magda Gerber's present day representative. She has a heavily followed blog and podcast) -Media & Young Minds publication: Screen time recommendations based on the american academy of pediatrics -Holidays and gift giving podcast about living a more intentional holiday season |
Emily BarstadParent Educator Archives
March 2020
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