Two Types of Quality Care

My mentor shared a few important key points from a book she calls her “(childcare) bible.”

Principle 2 in the book is titled, Invest in Quality Time. It goes on to summarize two types of quality time we share with young children: 1) wants-something quality time and 2)wants-nothing quality time.

Wants-something: When an adult and a child are involved in a task the adult has set up. (i.e. diapering, feeding, bathing, and dressing.) This type of quality time is educational, for both the child and their caregiver as they create a better understanding for one another while developing a relationship.

Wants-nothing: When caregivers make themselves available to a child without direct interaction. (i.e. sitting near a child, fully responsive, available, but not in charge.) The adult is “just being,” and is responsive instead of initiative with the child(ren).

“Don’t Pick Them Up.”

This topic was brought up after discussing the major cons of picking up a child unprovoked, or without any verbal notice. Something that in my old practice was completely okay. I often saw other educators lifting children up, tickling, or moving their bodies..so that’s what I was accustomed to do.

I now understand the need for communication. When we lift/touch a child without their permission, it tells them, “I am above you,” or “You are less than (human).” This is sad to think about. How can we expect respect, if we don’t begin by setting the standard? Since this conversation, I have been more mindful about my actions toward the children, seeing them as equals who deserve the same respect we give to adults. Voicing things such as: “Are you going to move your body, or am I going to move your body?” Allowing children to create their own boundaries with me.