Today’s vlog explores an example of how Calvin and I handle the daily routine of dressing and undressing.  My focus during dressing and undressing is to help Calvin be a partner during the routine and to respond to his cues.  Throughout the interaction I try to let him be as independent as possible. 

If you have trouble viewing the above video please use the following link:
http://youtu.be/K8AeqHk-gOc

Note: During this particular interaction I was in a bit of a hurry because we had to leave the house soon, so I occasionally did not wait long enough for him to respond to some of my questions and cues.  I usually give myself plenty of time so we can both enjoy interactions during daily routines, but things don’t always go as planned.

Now I will explore 5 examples of how this daily routine helped shape Calvin’s development.  I use the Ohio Infant and Toddler Guidelines as my reference.

Emotional & Social Development

Attachment (p. 22 & p. 30) - During the course of the video shoot Calvin makes eye contact with Mom (the talented camera operator) and waves.  Calvin also makes eye contact while talking to me and when trying to get my attention.

Social Development

Sense of Competence (p.26) - After we take off his shorts he uses the shorts to initiate a game of peek-a-boo.  Calvin plays an active role in removing and putting on his clothes.

Interactions with Adults (p. 31) - Calvin helps me with the changing process several times during our interaction.  Some examples include Calvin making choices about which outfit to wear or which arm to pull out first, when helps me put on his socks, and when he grabs my thumbs so I can help him up to a sitting position.  This is tied closely with the Sense of Competence indicator.

Language & Communication Development

Expressing Language (p. 41) - Throughout the interaction Calvin uses a variety of consonant and vowel sounds to express himself.  One interesting example is when he seems to try to use the word “this” when referring to which foot he wants me to put the first sock on.

Cognitive Development

Memory (p. 49) - A few examples are when I mention “we have to get changed” Calvin begins to walk towards the stairs (although he does get distracted along the way).  During the changing process he notices the socks (or possibly me saying “socks”) and raises his feet in anticipation of putting them on.  He also recognizes that me sticking out my thumbs means that he can grab them and help himself sit up.

Please share your thoughts and advice on how you dress and undress your child by commenting below or sending me an e-mail.  Hope everyone is having a fun start to their week!
 
 
In January I asked for submissions regarding diapering techniques that readers and friends of Intentionally Fun found useful and wanted to share.  Without further ado, here are the submissions:

“I have 2 kids and I created a ‘safe zone’ where I can put my older toddler while I am changing our infant.  This helps me give all my attention to our little one.”  ~ Amber

“Just because the diaper box says ’12 Hours of Protection,’ doesn’t mean I have to wait 12 hours to change his diaper.”  ~ Matt

“I always use a dry washcloth or other form of cover when I am changing our kids to protect against any sprays.”  ~ Sarah

“We like to make sure that distractions are out of reach or anywhere he thinks he can reach them, that way he can focus.”  ~ Amanda

“I always keep a hand on our son instead of using the straps.  I have to be prepared, but it helps me feel more comfortable and keep a connection (in more ways than one) with my son.”  ~ Stephanie

“I like to move slowly and let my daughter know what is going to happen next, even during big messes.  I’m not Wonder Woman though, so even I lose my cool sometimes, especially when she has active hands and feet during those big messes!”  ~ Connie

Please feel free to add your own diapering tips and stories in the comment section below.

 
 
Welcome back to Intentionally Fun!  I apologize for the brief hiatus.  I took the past 4 months off to focus on completing a research study, exploring how caregivers watch screen media (TV, computer, iPad, etc.) with infants and toddlers, to wrap up my graduate studies at the University of Dayton.  I am proud to say that I will be graduating tomorrow afternoon.

I hope to introduce plenty of fun and thought-provoking videos and posts over the course of the next few months.  First I will continue to explore daily routines.  This Sunday I will post the reader edition of tips for interactions during diapering and toileting routines.  Then next Tuesday I will have our next vlog which will focus on dressing and undressing.

I will be checking the comment section and my e-mail daily so please send in your thoughts and ideas for future videos and posts.  I hope everyone has a fun start to their weekend!

 
 
_ Welcome the first Techniques & Tips (T&T) vlog!  I will occasionally share a variety of techniques and tips that Rachel and I have discovered on our parenting journey.  We are constantly reading articles and books, talking with experts in the field, and sharing thoughts with friends and family in an effort to gather great ideas in regards to raising and interacting with Calvin.  The T&T posts are designed to provide insight for new parents and food for thought for current parents and early education for professionals.


 
 
_One of the most common phrases I hear from parents is, “I just don’t get to spend enough quality time with my kids.”  Quality time can be difficult to come by with the demands of going to work, working at home, chores, errands, etc.  That is why my first series of videos for Intentionally Fun will focus on daily routines.
 
 
Good evening everyone!  Although it is only November, Calvin experienced his first snowfall today.  Ironically, the snow started to fall as we were leaving Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
 
 
Welcome to our first vlog (video blog)!  In this video I provide a brief overview of Ohio’s Infant & Toddler Guidelines.
Right after Rachel and I (officially) found out we were going to have a baby, we drove over to Half Price Books and bought one book about pregnancy and one book about babies (then I of course bought a few more).  I’ve seen quite a few expectant mothers walk out of the book store with a stack of books.  Some of these books are so big that they are only useful for looking up specific information, and not very practical as an everyday resource.  Some of the books about babies do not address all of the developmental domains, or do not provide specific examples.  Ohio’s Infant & Toddler Guidelines are streamlined for quick reference, are easy to understand, and provide specific examples.
 
 
Welcome to Intentionally Fun, a blog created to detail the trials and tribulations of parenthood, while introducing theories and techniques designed to help infants and toddlers learn and reach their full potential.  Hopefully this blog can be an enjoyable resource for new parents, family members, professionals, and all those who care for infants and toddlers.  Intentionally Fun is also a place where you can share your thoughts and insights on caring for and educating young children.