Case Study: Little Raymond

Raymond and his mother live in the urban high rise. Raymondloves to use the kitchen pots and pans as his instruments. He singsand dances to the rhythms. The neighbors do not appreciateRaymond’s musical interests, so responding to the pounding on thewall, Mom turns on the radio station and take the“instruments.”

On Monday nights after dinner, Mom takes Raymond to the library.The books they select are used throughout the week for bedtime onceRaymond is snuggled in bed. Raymond also participates in MondayStory Time giving Mom a chance to select their books for theweek.

This Monday night, Mom did not take Raymond to the library. Hernew boyfriend came over to visit and watch football on television.He doesn’t like the noise Raymond makes in the kitchen and wantsthe boy to be quiet. Raymond retreats under the kitchen table withElmo and has Elmo play instruments and sign to him. Boyfriendbelittle Raymond’s behavior and makes fun of his high-pitched Elmovoice imitation. Boyfriend threatens to take Elmo if Raymond is notquiet.

Mom can’t let Raymond outside to play because the neighborhoodis unsafe. Not going to the library means fewer books at home and abreak in a family ritual.

Raymond, still under the table, tells Elmo: Read book, readbook. Raymond fantasizes that Elmo takes him to the library forstory time. Later Raymond snuggles Elmo on his lap and pretends toread Elmo a book saying: Elmo no cry, Ray read book.

Answer the following questions in essay form. Your essayshould be between 1 - 2 pages in length and adhere to APAguidelines.

In terms of self-control, how does Raymond use languageand fantasy as strategies for controlling his high activityimpulses?

How does Raymond’s retreat under the kitchen tableprovide evidence of shame and doubt?

Explain the contribution of the ritual of going to thelibrary for Raymond’s sense of autonomy, self-control, and languagedevelopment.