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Birth
Baby Jacqueline has arrived! My husband and I were glad we had practiced several birthing techniques, such as Lamaze and the Bradley method. Lamaze is a method that focuses on breathing and relaxing the body (p. 90). The Bradley method is similar to the Lamaze, but emphasizes a natural child birth, and encourages women to focus into the pain of childbirth (p. 90). Both of these techniques helped me to remain calm during delivery, and make sure Jacqueline was born healthy. -
Second Sensorimotor Substage
Jacqueline is almost four months old. She is showing signs of the second substage of Piaget's Sensorimotor Development, where she is coordinating simple reflexes, such as sucking, with a second step, like grabbing and holding an item (p. 144). She likes to grab her blanket and stuff it in her mouth. This is an important step because this is one of the foundation steps that will lead to more complex sensorimotor actions as she grows up. -
Potty Training
Now that Jacqueline is a little over 18 months old, we've decided to try potty training and see how she reacts. We've been looking for some of the signs that note when to attempt potty training, and have noticed that she has been dry for a few hours at a time, and can sleep through her naps without an accident (p. 213). To encourage Jacqueline, we're using positive reinforcement when she uses the potty, and will continue to be patient with her until she is fully potty trained. -
Conservation
Jacqueline was playing with play-doh, so I took two equal handfuls of play-doh rolled them into balls. Then, I took one handful and rolled it into a long thin rod. I asked, “Which do you think is larger?” And she said, “that one!” and pointed to the longer piece of play-doh. I realized she hasn’t quite mastered conservation, or when she would be able to tell that if you have two same sized pieces of play-doh, and and change the shape of one, the amount is still the same(p. 221). Maybe next time! -
Syntax
Now that Jacqueline has been going to preschool for quite a while, her verbal skills are improving dramatically. She is now speaking in full sentences, and uses meaningful words and phrases, which is using syntax in her speech (page 231). Her speech is rapidly improving, and every month the new phrases and words she uses doubles. It is amazing to hear such a fast improvement in the way she describes and relates to her world. -
Self Concept
Jacqueline has been really fond of talking about herself lately. Without prompting, she shares information like, “I am the best at running” and “I have pretty blonde hair”. This demonstrates how she is developing her self-concept (page 249). This is common of other kids her age, and develops throughout the preschool years. -
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder ADHD
Jacqueline is in third grade, and her teacher has informed of some behaviors she is exhibiting. She is fidgety in class, has a hard time finishing tasks, and is frequently interrupting the teacher (page 289). The teacher suggested that Jacqueline might have ADHD, so we took her to a clinician to have an official diagnosis made. If Jacqueline has ADHD, we will probably attempt to implement behavior therapy before trying any prescription medication. -
Personal Fable
Fast forward to middle school. Jacqueline is twelve years old and experiencing personal fable. This is when she believes that the things that are occurring in her life are unique to her, and other people do not experience them (page 382). She came home from school one day, and was upset about not doing particularly well on a test. She cried all afternoon and said I would never understand how she felt. Hopefully she will grow out of this type of egocentrism.
