Winnicott's Theory in Child Security Development

NUR Log #4 Submission Date: 7/19/2023

Child Initials: VL Age (years and months) 3 yr 11 month

Date of Interaction

Location of Interaction

FPMHNP Student verbal and non-verbal communication

Child verbal and non-verbal communication

FPMHNP Student Reflection

Theorist application and analysis of interaction

VL’s home in the living room

“Hello VL.”

“I open my arms to hug her”

I hug her

“How are you?”

I am kneeling to speak to her

“What do you mean?”

I was confused by her statement but soon realized she is referring to Amazon Prime. I started to laugh.

“I had to work and on my days off your mom was at work. This our first day off together.”

“It's okay, you can take it.”

“You're welcome”

-I am sitting Indian style on the floor. Making direct eye contact with VL.

“I am glad you like it VL.”

I continue to make eye contact with VL

I am very confused by VL’s statement.

“You can't sleep without your blanket?”

“VL where are you going?

I am standing now and following her with my eyes.

“Hi Auntie Tiffany”

VL runs to me, but she is looking at the package I placed on the couch.

She gives me a big hug but is still looking away.

“I'm good. What happened to you?”

She is now making eye contact with me

“My grandma said I have 2 wake ups for my blanket, but you took a lot of days.”

-She is still looking at the package on the floor, but she is also occasionally gazing to her mother who is sitting on the couch. She appears as if she is seeking approval.

“Oh okay.”

She is now reaching for the package. She stops suddenly when her mom states “you know better”

-She is now timid and looks down.

She runs to the package and attempts to open it. When she realizes she is unsuccessful, she runs to her mom and grabs her hand. She is gesturing for scissors.

Her mom says gets up from the couch and walks to the kitchen but first stops and gives her a stern look.

VL turns to me and states “Thank you”

Her mother gives her a nod of approval.

VL mom opens the package and hands it to VL

VL grabs the bag and removes the blanket.

VL hugs the blanket.

“It's the same. “

VL is hugging the blanket and rocking as if she's holding a baby.

“I do. I have to tell Grandma June. She said I can sleep when I get my blanket.”

“No. I need it for my nap. Grandma June has her own blanket and I have my own blanket. We sleep on the couch in the day.”

VL is leaving the living room

“I have to put my blanket in my bag. I don’t want to leave it tomorrow. Mommy said I'm going to Grandma June when I wake up.”

VL is excited. She runs for a pink bookbag. She opens it and takes out a pink floral blanket and tosses it on the couch. She then places the new blanket in the bag and zips it.

VL looks at her mother for confirmation and she states, “Yes I'm working to tomorrow.”

It was nice to see how excited she was when I arrived, but it was funny that she couldn't keep her eyes off the package I brought.

It was clear she respects her mom. When her mom told her not to open the package yet, she listened. In a way, I think it is good to see that kind of discipline. It shows that everyone is invested and engaged, and that means a lot.

When she finally got the blanket I brought, she was so happy. It was touching to see. It reminded me of the idea of a "transitional object". It seems like this blanket is something she uses to feel safe, especially when she's going to her Grandma June's house.

Watching her switch out the old blanket for the new one in her bag was a moment. She's clearly getting the hang of handling changes while keeping her comfort close.

Seeing all this made me proud of her and my sister. It's interesting how something as simple as a blanket can mean so much. I'm glad I got to be a part of it.

The concept of a "transitional object," introduced by Winnicott, is very applicable here. Winnicott (2018) found that children often become attached to a particular object like a blanket, stuffed animal, or toy, which they use for comfort, particularly during times of separation from their primary caregiver. These objects serve as a bridge between the child and the world, facilitating the child's developing sense of self and their ability to form relationships (Elmhirst, 1980).