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Every day with my little one is a new experience, and a reminder of how sweet and simple life really is. Even with yukky diapers.
Friday, July 25, 2003
Our poor baby has been experiencing night terrors. I found out about this phenomenon awhile ago, and I just can't believe that she's getting them this early in her life. It bums me out too, because I wonder what could be so scary to her? She always let's us know she's awake by crying, but there are those times where she'll wake up and just scream. I can't seem to get to her room fast enough! And she can't wake herself up, but at least she responds to our touch, and will settle down when we comfort her. I've been reading this really interesting website, (http://whilechildrensleep.homestead.com/index.html) about talking to babies and kids while they're sleeping, so I'm going to try this method and see if it helps with these night terrors. Here's an exeprt from this website:
"Today, I saw a little girl who will turn a year in two weeks' time.Her mother is worried that she may have some physical problems because since two months ago, she has been sobbing in her sleep for almost an hour several nights a week." The website is written by a pediatrician, and she suggested to this child's mother that she follow a particular script whispered in the child's ear while she slept. The child did stop sobbing in her sleep, after only a few nights of this "sleep talking." The basic format is as follows:
* a statement of LOVE. You may even tell him/her about actual events that made you realize how
much you value this child
* a statement of the problem. It should be in your simple words and may
include how you feel (I am worried) or what the reactions of people are (they are angry at you)
* a proposal for a solution (can you at least listen before you get upset or try to understand why we do certain things)
* an affirmation of your love for the child, as well as you willingness to help.
Now, of course there's no real problem we can identify that would lead to night terrors, and in fact they can be common in small children. So I've decided to modify the format somewhat, and for the problem statement, I'll say that I'm worried about her night terrors, and just reassure her that all is well and safe within her world. I do believe it's important to honor her innermost thoughts and feelings, and if scary dreams are necessary for her to process the world around her, then I'd imagine her subconscious will make the required adjustments. But if I can help ease her into a more peaceful sleep, heck, I'll try it! I'll keep you all posted!
"Today, I saw a little girl who will turn a year in two weeks' time.Her mother is worried that she may have some physical problems because since two months ago, she has been sobbing in her sleep for almost an hour several nights a week." The website is written by a pediatrician, and she suggested to this child's mother that she follow a particular script whispered in the child's ear while she slept. The child did stop sobbing in her sleep, after only a few nights of this "sleep talking." The basic format is as follows:
* a statement of LOVE. You may even tell him/her about actual events that made you realize how
much you value this child
* a statement of the problem. It should be in your simple words and may
include how you feel (I am worried) or what the reactions of people are (they are angry at you)
* a proposal for a solution (can you at least listen before you get upset or try to understand why we do certain things)
* an affirmation of your love for the child, as well as you willingness to help.
Now, of course there's no real problem we can identify that would lead to night terrors, and in fact they can be common in small children. So I've decided to modify the format somewhat, and for the problem statement, I'll say that I'm worried about her night terrors, and just reassure her that all is well and safe within her world. I do believe it's important to honor her innermost thoughts and feelings, and if scary dreams are necessary for her to process the world around her, then I'd imagine her subconscious will make the required adjustments. But if I can help ease her into a more peaceful sleep, heck, I'll try it! I'll keep you all posted!
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