Sofia (105 days / 15 Weeks) 01 00:08:27

Sofia | Culture, Self-regulation, Presence/absence, Sibling Rivalry

Sofia is lying on her back under her play gym. She is in the park with Nomsa, Raphael and Luca and a number of other caregivers and the children they are looking after. Raphael is crying “I want my mama”, “I am your mama” Nomsa tells him. There is a child riding on his nanny’s back. The carers are talking amongst themselves about a robbery at a shopping centre. They are also commenting on Raphael’s crying. Sofia is focused on her toy which she is almost able to grasp now. Her face seems to respond to some of the sounds and voices around her. Nomsa, trying to sooth Raphael, gestures that he should lie on her lap. He buries his face in her crotch.

Nomsa and some of the other carers prepare to leave. Raphael starts crying again. Nomsa comments to her colleagues that he was quieting down, but now he’s starting again because we are going home. She picks Sofia up and places her in the stroller without speaking to her. Sofia looks up at Nomsa who has turned to fetch the play gym.

After telling Nomsa that he is sore, Raphael picks up Sofia’s toy rabbit and drops it on her face. Then he picks it up again and tries to push it into her mouth. Sofia moves her head slightly.

Note: Sofia’s family live in a gated community. The scene takes place in a small park in the centre of the community. It is common that carers and their children gather socially – both so that the children can interact and importantly so that the carer can have company too.