Harry now gives a greeting when talking on the phone, for example saying 'Harro Ganny', whereas previously his presence was only indicated by his breathing, with Harry mostly preferring to listen. However, he would nod his head in the right places while his conversation partner spoke, despite them not being able to see his action.
Harry is delighted with his new (environmentally friendly) nappy wrap, which he proudly calls 'Pants'. He wears it with great enthusiasm and it is also helping to ease his eczema.
Harry had been taken off foods containing wheat for a short while due to diarrhoea, but wheat has now been re-introduced to his diet and he seems to be tolerating it without problems. This is good news for both Harry and his parents.
Physically Harry is building on his skills, enjoying dressing up in hats and various articles of clothing, and also rolling and balancing on mummy's antenatal giant exercise ball. Harry also tries hard to use a space hopper, but seems unaware of the 'handles', so he has only limited success.
Questions
1 How can the type of nappy worn by a child affect skin conditions such as eczema?
2 How can role play help a child's development?
3 When providing clothes for dressing up, what should be taken into account?
Answers to part 22 questions (19 January 2006)
1 The term often used to describe the understanding and demonstration of family ways and expectations is primary socialisation.
2 Harry refers to photographs of himself as 'You' simply because he is taking his cue from what he hears said to him, for example, 'Look, it's you'. He has not yet developed an understanding of the correct use of pronouns.
3 Imitative play is where the child, in this case Harry, copies the actions of adults and older siblings and represents it within their own play activities, for example feeding a doll, talking on the telephone, sweeping the floor.
By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Harry's grandmother.