"Thinking it Over" Baby Activity

For this activity, you will be responsible for the care of a “think it over” baby for a 48-hour period.  During this time, you will be responsible for feeding, changing, comforting, and loving the baby.  During this 48-hour period, you will keep a detailed record of the care that your “baby” receives (e.g., when s/he is fed, changed, sleeps, alternative child care arrangements, and so on).  Explanations of how to fill out this record will be given in class – be sure you understand how to complete this record before you begin this activity!!  You will also write a journal outlining your thoughts, feelings, anxieties, frustrations, joys, and so on immediately after completing this activity.  Your child care record and “baby” journal are due one week after you complete this activity.  We will engage in a discussion of your “think it over” experience in class (see schedule of topics and assignments for date) so you should come to class prepared to share your thoughts, insights, feelings, and so on as a function of this activity. I will bring your child care records and journal entries to class so you can use them to “refresh” your memory. 

Obviously these babies are not real; however, I want you to try to treat them as if they were living creatures.  As such, the first thing you should do upon receipt of your baby is to name him/her.  You should use the baby’s name in reference to him/her throughout the activity.  These babies will cry when they are hungry, wet, or just plain bored, so be prepared to care for your baby whenever (yes, this includes throughout the night…) s/he needs it.  Take the time to reflect on your thoughts/feelings and record these reflections in your journal.  Because these babies WILL cry and because their cries are rather disturbing, you will need to make several accommodations while caring for your baby. 

Following are some guidelines that you must follow:

·        You must keep a detailed record of your “baby’s” care and a final journal entry outlining your overall “reaction” to this experience.

·        You must arrange for alternative care for your baby while you attend class and while you attend any other functions at which babies would not be welcome (e.g., in the library, at a movie, and so on).  Your child care provider should be aware of how to care for your baby and should know how/where to reach you in case of emergency.

·        You ARE NOT permitted to take your baby to class with you – you MUST make alternative arrangements for his/her care while you are in class!!  YOU MAY NOT SKIP CLASS TO CARE FOR YOUR BABY!!  This activity IS NOT an excuse to miss class…anyone caught skipping class to care for a baby as a function of this activity will receive a zero for this assignment.

·        You must describe this activity to your roommate(s) and receive his/her/their consent.  If your roommate(s) do not agree to “participate” in this activity, see me and we can make alternative arrangements (e.g., we will plan for you to have a “baby” at a time when your roommate(s) will not be around).