Reference no: EM133483600

Case Study

Theresa's parents both work at home. Her mother works late evenings and her father works early mornings. Theresa's mother is breast-feeding her on demand except for one day a week, when both parents are out of the house. During that day, she gets thawed, previously frozen breastmilk from a bottle.

Both parents care for Theresa. They both manage to take breaks at the same time to give quality time to "Terry Bear," as she is affectionately called. Sometimes they all take walks together, taking turns carrying the baby. She enjoys the movement and facing her parents in her infant front carrier, but she is also curious about the sights and sounds around her. She has really begun to wiggle on these walks, so her parents are considering a new backpack where she can ride on their back and look around better.

While her parents really liked this schedule, work changes now require that Theresa attend child care two mornings a week. She has recently started going to a family child care and is learning to adjust and make the transition. She seems to be building a strong bond with Ellie, her caregiver. Ellie quickly discovered that Theresa is easily calmed by being given her satin blanket and talking in a soothing voice. Theresa really chews on her blanket when upset or trying to go to sleep.

Question 1. Should Theresa be allowed to keep her blanket and chew on it?

Question 2. What would happen to Theresa if you took away her blanket? Why do you think that would happen?

Question 3. How old should a child be before they no longer need "attachments" to favorite things? Why?