The child that I observed was an 18-month old boy that I will refer to as James. James is an active child who loves to interact with all his family members. His parents are married and live in a small city in Orange County. He comes from a middle class family which consists of his parents and two sisters. I observed James at the Coronado Café at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The observation took place in the evening over dinner.
The observation started in the main casino area at the South Point Hotel and Casino. I observed from afar and did not notify the family till after my observation was completed. James’s dad was allowed him to walk through the casino. His dad kept him within the bounds of the walkway prompting him when he would divert into the crowds or towards the gambling machines. James coordination while walking was slightly unstable at times. He would start out walking and it would turn into a fast stride. Eventually his father took him back into the Coronado Café to sit down with his family for dinner.
Once James entered the Coronado Café he sat in his highchair and interacted with his dad. James would talk loud when he would want something from his father. If his father did not interact with him constantly he would raise his voice to get his attention (University of Alabama).
James solely interacted with his father at the table during my observation even though his mother and sisters were present. James’s dad would take the initiative and play with James before he could raise his voice or make aggravating sounds at times. James would laugh when he would be tickled and play peek-a-boo with his dad. This interaction continued throughout my observation.
The Essay on Mother Dad Father House
I was born in Atlanta, GA to a 15 yr old mother and a 23 yr old father. Both of my parents were obviously very young when they had me... my dad said I was almost not here. My mother's grandmother tried to make her abort me because she did not like my father. But my mother did not listen because she was in love with my father. My mother was an alcoholic and so was my dad...both of them had lost ...
During my observation I was intrigued how James’s dad constantly interacted with his son. Even despite the fact that the family was having dinner, there was interaction. James showed age appropriate reactions such as motor skills, constant interaction, and playing with the utensils on the dinner table. It is difficult to take a child out to dinner with the family especially in their toddler years. This family appears to be able to handle the situation very well and is able to enjoy dinner with their loving toddler.
James appears to be a healthy, happy, active 18-month old child. He loves to be engaged with his dad and enjoyed playing. His motor skills are age appropriate as well as his social and emotional development as shown by the observation (Oesterreich).
James seems to be developing appropriately for his age and gender.
References
Oesterreich, L. (1995, February).
_AGES & STAGES – 18 TO 24 MONTHS_. National Network for Child Care. Retrieved from http://nncc.org/Child.Dev/ages.stages.18m.24m.html
University of Alabama. (2010).
_Your Child’s Development, 12-18 Months Developmental Milestones_. University of Alabama. Retrieved from http://www.pal.ua.edu/development/milestones_12-18mo.php
