The favorite part of our last day of teaching in Bangkok, Thailand was "'broadcasting' a baby's behavior." Today my husband, Jim, and I joined Meena Sobsamai, a midwife and lactation consultant at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital (photo), for an all-day HUG training. This class had been offered to professionals for the day and to expectant and new parents for the morning.
Since four pregnant women, and eight parents and babies, participated off and on during the day, I took the opportunity to "See and Share" a baby's behavior with this group of HUG learners. Because some of the babies were older (up to 8 months), I was able to go from baby to baby and "Broadcast" fine motor changes, evidence of attachment (when the baby "references her parent" - glances back at parent for assurance), the developing sense of object permanence, and subtle indications of early stranger anxiety.
One might imagine that a family could feel "on the spot" and anxious about their baby's "performance" in a public setting like this. However, I find that "Broadcasting" a child's behavior not only puts parents at ease but also delights them as I share the capabilities of their newborn.
The way parents sparkled when I would "Broadcast" their baby's behavior made the point: using this HUG Strategy is an effective short cut to a trusting relationship with parents. And once that relationship is established, real teaching and support can occur. I think this message got through, even in the translation from English to Thai and back!
Here is a link to online training about HUG Strategies and to another HUG Strategy story not to miss!
Here is a link to online training about HUG Strategies and to another HUG Strategy story not to miss!
