The West Wing children have had a few conversations about babies lately. With August, Dashiell and Jacob adding siblings, and Teacher Cynthia’s pregnancy, this is a strong influence right now. We offer the children time to draw out their ideas and thoughts, but most times, we just listen and observe their play. One morning Jacob’s baby sister, Eve is present at drop off and a few children gather to say hello to her.
Later that morning, this was the play in the Home Area:Josephine: I have a baby in my belly!
Beatrice: Me too.
Jacob: The baby is scared all by himself.
Beatrice: Let’s change his diaper. The baby is crying.
Jacob: The baby? He got an owie. He fell down.
Beatrice: (On the phone) Doctor, can you come now? The baby hurt herself. (In deeper voice) ‘Yes’. They said he can come.
Jacob: Take care of the babies. Ambulance! Ambulance is here! The baby is in the ambulance! Can you bring a diaper change down?
Beatrice: We have to leave. We have to go!
Jacob: You forgot the diaper change. Shhhh baby…
Jacob and Beatrice chose to play out a scenario that is urgent. They are the mom and dad of a baby that falls down and needs to be taken to the hospital. Both of them have the baby’s emotional and physical needs in mind and are focused on taking care of them. These roles could be the processing of what they have seen, how they have been nurtured themselves, trying on the new roles (‘big brother’), and/or feeling empowered to take care of others. One thing stands out strongly, there is a lot of love involved in caring for babies. We can’t help but think this warm feeling in our hearts is a reflection of your sweet family dynamics. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. Take care of each other! -Teacher Jennifer & Kristin