Parent Interview
This research paper focuses on parent interviews and infant observation. The parent interview focuses on pregnancy and delivery, infant’s physical developmental milestones, infant’s socio-emotional milestones, cognitive developmental milestones, and the effects of parenthood on parents.
Pregnancy and Delivery
Briefly Describe the Experience of Pregnancy
The infant’s mother explained that pregnancy was a very exciting and fulfilling experience for her. She was nervous about the experience since this was her first pregnancy. She had heard conflicting tales about pregnancy since childhood. She was not sure how the experience of pregnancy would be for her. According to her, she was happy to experience pregnancy because this presented an opportunity for firsthand learning and experience. She was happy knowing that she was carrying life in her and this increased her sense of worth and importance. Due to hormonal imbalances, she would occasionally experience mood swings and morning sickness. However, this is a normal part of pregnancy.
How Did You Prepare for Pregnancy and Delivery?
The mother prepared for pregnancy by talking to a therapist. She discussed her fears and expectations about pregnancy. Through therapy, she gained an understanding of matters of diet and other related issues related to the delivery. Through therapy, she overcame her worries and anxieties. This helped her to face pregnancy and delivery.
Was Your Spouse Supportive During Pregnancy and Delivery?
The husband was supportive during pregnancy and delivery. He helped in household chores during pregnancy and was present in the delivery room. This was a real morale booster for the mother.
Infant’s Physical Developmental Milestones
Describe the Physical State of Infant at Birth
The infant’s physical state was normal. The birth weight was 3.4 kg. The infant had no physical abnormality. The infant was positively responsive to the environment.
Describe the Infant’s Progression in Physical Development
During the initial months, the infant could visually recognize close objects. The infant’s visual ability improved with time. At four months, the infant could support his body in a sitting position. The infant could support his head in an upright position. At five months, the infant began to roll over in bed. These were signs of normal physical development.
How Do You Monitor the Infant’s Physical Development?
To ensure the infant’s normal development, the mother attends a post-natal clinic. During these visits, a specialist monitors the infant’s progress. This happens by checking weight and other biometric aspects.
Infants Socio-Emotional Developmental Milestones
Describe the Infants Socio-Emotional State at Birth
At birth, the infant was very dependent on the mother. The infant could hardly respond to social and physical stimuli. The infant could only respond to basic reflexes, for instance, sucking, crying, gasping, and coughing.
Describe the Socio-Emotional Progress after 2-3 Months
The infant was joyful and delighted. He displayed signs of distress. The infant could hardly stay calm. The infant was constantly smiling at familiar faces. The infant gained more control of eye muscles.
Describe the Social-Emotional Progress after 3-4 Months
The infant communicates through crying. He responds to stimuli from his mother. He recognizes his mother’s voice and smile. The infant is increasingly responsive to external stimuli. He enjoys the company of the people around him. He continually gains control of body muscles and enjoys play. He exhibits signs of joy, surprise, and interest in the surrounding environment.
Infant’s Cognitive Developmental Milestones
Describe the Infant’s Cognitive Development in First Month
The infant could recognize objects at close range. He could recognize his mother’s voice. Facial gestures were distinct and visible. This was a sign of healthy cognitive progression.
Describe the Infants Cognitive Development after 3 Months
The infant could distinguish between colors. He recognized an object from a distance and could react to familiar faces. He could reach for toys and conspicuous objects. He began putting different things in his mouth.
Describe an Infant’s Cognitive Development after 4-8 Months
The infant masters coordination and perception. His understanding of things is optimal and apparent. Judgment skills are improved. Anticipatory skills develop at this stage. He develops a clear understanding of the things around him.
Effects of Parenthood
How Has Parenthood Affected You?
According to the mother, parenthood has increased her sense of responsibility. She has become more focused and responsive to the needs of other people. She is willing to give her time to serving other people. She is more appreciative of nature and the mystery of human life.
What is Your Parenting Style?
The mother believes in giving space to her child. She believes in freedom of choice and indulgence. She argues that children should have the freedom to choose what is right or wrong. However, parents should offer guidance on what is right.
What is Your Advice to New Parents?
She advises new parents to be vigilant to the development of their children. All stages in a child’s development are important. Parents should seek professional help in case of complications. She warns parents against comparing their child’s development to other children.
Infant Observation
In this exercise, the baby observation lasted for 25 minutes. The exercise focused on the physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive behavior of the infant.
Physical Behaviour
During this period, the baby was joyful and playful. The baby seemed to enjoy physical movement and engaged in body activity. The baby was feeding himself using a cup and spoon. The baby was comfortable sitting alone. The baby was actively crawling on their stomach. The baby was constantly picking and dropping objects and occasionally throwing them at me. He effortlessly stood on his feet and held on to household furniture. In my view, this physical behavior is age-appropriate and consistent with expectations.
Socio-Emotional Behaviour
The baby was friendly and responsive to physical advances. For instance, he responded to somebody calling his name. However, he displayed signs of fear in the presence of strangers. In fact, the baby resisted attempts to leave him alone. The baby occasionally threw tantrums to capture the attention. The baby was also talking to himself in an indulging manner. The baby maintained constant eye contact. The above behavior is age-appropriate and a sign of good health and socio-emotional development.
Cognitive Behaviour
The baby was active and jovial throughout the entire observation period. The baby was imitating and mimicking the actions of his mother. Physical activity was evident throughout the session, with the baby attempting to grasp things in his vicinity. During feeding, the baby was receptive to food, and enthusiastically prepared his mouth for the spoon. He exhibited knowledge of his name and recognized it whenever mentioned. The baby made concerted efforts to communicate with people in his vicinity. He was keen on music and other familiar sounds. The baby displayed experimental behavior through different activities. He actively engaged in actions that displayed a willingness to learn. All the above information is age-appropriate and a sign of normal development. According to the information gathered from the exercise, the baby is healthy and progressing in consistent with expectations.