Do You Hold Their Baby During Interview?

[playfelt]

I don't usually hold the child during the first interview because it isn't fair to the child as I am a complete stranger in a strange place and it is usually evening so just before bedtime when they are not at their most alert and as a provider I need to respect that. If the child comes near me - assuming mom even puts the child down on the floor I will engage, touch, put my arm around and then towards the end of the interview say so will you let me pick you up - then if child plays strange well it has been a long night for them and everyone is ok with it not going well. If mom doesn't even put the child down then I usually also keep my distance unless mom offers something more. Truthfully the first interview is about business not integration. Yes I need to get to know the child but it is more important that I get to know the parents and their needs at this point.