How did you choose
the name Regarding Baby - does it have some meaning ?
What a great question ! Yes, the name is significant. When I was trying to choose, I wanted a name that would convey the
essence of what I hope to offer to families. The word Regard has several
meanings - in the active sense, it means to look upon or gaze attentively, pay attention, or observe closely. It also
means to hold in esteem or to respect, and to take into account, relate, consider, or refer to.
One of my most important teachers,
Magda Gerber, often talked about helping parents and caregivers to see babies with "New Eyes". Since my area
of expertise is infants and toddlers and I focus on helping parents learn to relax and slow down, do less,
and to respect and respond to their baby's needs through sensitive observation, Regarding Baby
seemed to make perfect sense as a name.
How do Regarding Baby classes
differ from other classes I might choose to attend with my child ?
First, you might notice that the atmosphere
is very soothing and peaceful. Next, you might notice that there are no exersaucers, boppy seats or electronic toys present.We
don't sing songs, and I won't ask you to entertain, or to exercise or manipulate your baby's body in any way. There
is no pre-set curriculum. Instead, we allow the children to freely explore the environment and to choose the objects they'd
like to play with, and then to play in the way they wish. We let the children set the pace and initiate the play, and the
adult's role is to relax, observe, and respond to their child's cues. Because the group often continues together through several
sessions babies and parents get to know each other well, and often form strong bonds and lasting relationships that extend
outside of the classroom.
What can I expect when I bring my baby to class ?
Each class is an hour and a half long and meets once a week, for an 8 week session. Babies generally begin classes with
their parent(s) when they are about 3 months old. Only 6 families are enrolled in a class, so each child and parent
can receive individualized attention. Children are grouped developmentally, which means according to their emotional
and gross motor abilities.Generally, there is about a 3 month age span in the class because babies develop at different rates.
The classes have a regular rhythm, so that everyone can know what to expect
and feel comfortable. Parents sit on back-jacks on the floor near their babies and babies are free to move about in the space
as they wish, exploring the items that have been laid out in advance. There is a brief warming in time to allow everyone to
get settled , followed by a quiet observation time and a question and discussion period afterwards. There is a private,
quiet area provided for parents to change or feed their babies as needed. Older babies can participate in a group snack
time, if they choose to.
What do the classes cost?
The first 8 week class session is $250.00, which includes a two hour Introduction, and a copy of Dear Parent, by Magda Gerber.
Additional 8 week sessions are $200.00. Discounts are available for families with twins, and for those
that may need assistance in order to attend a class.
I think I might like to take a class
with my baby, but I'd like to talk to others that have taken the class first. Is this possible
?
Yes, I am happy to provide references upon request. Also, you may attend a 2 hour Introduction with your partner
if you'd like. The fee for the Introduction is $10.00 per person, or $15.00 per couple, and will apply towards the tuition
for your first eight week session, if you choose to enroll in a class.
I'd like to
learn more... Is there a book you recommend I read ?
Yes ! I highly recommend both Your
Self Confident Baby by Allison Johnson and Magda Gerber, and Dear Parent 2nd Edition by
Magda Gerber.