Jasmine continues to imitate what she sees. Examples include daddy putting together some flatpack furniture. Once she had seen him place a long screw through a hole she did the others for him competently and without prompting. She also likes to 'scan' peoples tummies (with whatever she is holding) as she has seen done to her pregnant mummy at the hospital.
Jasmine's limited understanding was noted on a particularly windy day in the garden when she was heard to call out 'Oh no, dropped it hair', clearly thinking that her hair was blowing away, as it blew around her face uncontrollably. She also now says 'dropped it' whenever she falls over. If mummy asks 'have you dropped yourself?', she says 'yes'.
Questions
1 Like most toddlers, Jasmine occasionally has pulled her mother's hair.
How might her mother help her understand that this is unacceptable?
2 Jasmine enjoys helping her parents in all that they do. What skills was she demonstrating when helping daddy with the furniture?
Answers to part 27 questions (21 August)
1 Jasmine's parents can help prepare her for the arrival of her baby brother or sister by involving her in getting ready, for example sorting out clothes, washing toys and so on. It will also help if they explain in simple terms that the baby will sleep in the cot and cry when hungry, and also explain that Jasmine will be the 'big sister' and will be able to show the baby toys and other items, therefore giving her a significant 'role'.
2 A mid-morning snack is important for most young children, who use up a great deal of energy and need a 're-charge' to keep them going.
Carbohydrate-based snacks such as toast or a sandwich are ideal.
Sugar-based foods also provide energy, but no other nutrients (they are often referred to as empty calories). If energy runs low it can affect a child's play and learning.
3 Ensuring that children use play equipment suitable for their age and stage of development is vitally important. Young children have a limited awareness of safety and often their physical skills enable them to climb or reach places where their safety may become compromised. Accompanying adults need to be on hand to support, encourage and 'rescue' children from any difficulties.
By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Jasmine's grandmother.
