Ethical Dilemma in Childcare: Balancing Autonomy and Nutrition

Extract

[...] It is a matter of finding a balance between the two, finding the path of wisdom and virtue according to Aristotle. This calls for what Walter Hesbeen1 names the words of taking care, to know the values that are: respect, dignity, benevolence, politeness, humility, sensitivity, generosity, delicacy. One can add the verb to love, said the same author, to love the other. This is the safety net I have chosen. From these values, I strive to build an ethical posture that often leads me to question the good and the justification of my actions and, my words. [...]

[...] What is the place of ethics in this situation? And therefore, what is my place and role in the daycare with children? In what way is it necessary to have an ethical behavior when giving a meal in a daycare and the user is a child lacking autonomy? The question, of course, engages me as a caregiver. What posture will I adopt as a professional when I am in charge? Starting from the notion of ethics in its common use and, in its philosophical dimension is therefore a prerequisite for this work. [...]

[...] The children are supervised by a childcare assistant, two CAP early childhood and a specialized educator. I was led to observe a situation unfolding during a meal given to the children. First, I will describe the situation, then I will start from the questioning that follows and finally analyze the situation from a professional ethical perspective. 1° Description of the situation The situation took place during the fourth week of the internship, at the daycare during lunch. It is around 11 am. [...]

[...] But must he eat at all costs, risking the development of eating disorders? We can say here that I engage my responsibility as a caregiver to the extent that I am caught in this type of situation because there is indeed a dilemma between the child's well-being and his well-being: because this question also concerns the respect of his person, his autonomy, and, in this specific case, the question of care that must be central. There is a gap that requires reflection. [...]

[...] After multiple attempts, the childcare assistant gets closer to her, becomes firmer, and takes her spoon. She approaches her, forces the spoon against her mouth despite the child's tears and protests. She grabs her head and forcibly introduces the spoon into her mouth, and this several times. The child becomes more and more agitated. The childcare assistant then decides to stop, depriving her of the rest of the meal. The child is taken to the dormitory and then put to bed. [...]