by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
When mutuality is observed, often in the form of “shared pleasure” or “mutual delight” (enjoyable, reciprocal interactions between the caregiver and child), slow the visit down and enjoy this time with the family. Our noticing and focusing on...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
This is another mother and her young baby having a conversation together after a feeding. Teaching Points Caregiver sensitivity to the baby’s cues helps the parent caregiver pace their responses, which helps keep the baby engaged in the conversation. For older...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
In this video, the father was originally talking to his wife about how the ending of a tv show. His little boy was playing in another part of the room, but wanted to join in the conversation, so climbed on the couch and joined in. The baby wants to be connected and...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
In this video below, the mother has been asked to play with her son. At first, he’s not very interested (crawling away is a strong disengagement cue!) but she is able to get his attention to read a book together. Watch how closely connected the communication is...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
It takes attunement to the child’s emotional state and developmental level to provide co-regulation and alleviation of distress. When observed, it is an indication of a healthy caregiver-child relationship. Notice when caregivers help their child warm up to the...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
The “zone of proximal development” (ZPD) is the concept that optimal learning occurs from social interactions with a “more knowledgeable other” who is able to see what the learner knows and can gradually help the learner add skills and...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
In this video, the concept of the zone of proximal development is elaborated. Hobbes the puppy is learning to go down to the stairs. He’s giving cues that he’s worried (literally walking away from the stairs which is a strong disengagement cue) and leaning into his...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 17, 2023
In this video, a father brings his son into a recording area, with lots of cameras and strange people. His son is a little nervous, so the father helps him adjust to this new situation by exploring the environment with...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 7, 2023
In this video, the child becomes scared and upset by seeing a worm that has been set down in a bowl in front of him. The mother quickly removes the bowl and then moves in closer to offer comfort to him and take steps to alleviate his distress. The mother is quite...
by Nancy Meenen | Jul 6, 2023
Whenever possible, follow the parent and child’s lead by reading and responding to their cues. Being aware of subtle disengagement cues in the patient, their caregiver and themselves can help the provider pace the visit better and respond more sensitively. An office...
