Saturday, February 12, 2011

Why wont my child go to sleep????

It seems like all parents at some point or another have children who seemingly refuse to sleep. I know mine to, with gusto.  With great dedication, they ask me for more water more stories, more hugs, kisses, pillows, blankets and stuffed animals. You would think after a long day, a good meal and a hot bath, the best part would be climbing into a cozy bed and drifting off into a peaceful slumber.
Well I guess that shows what you know.
Falling asleep is probably the most dangerous part of your child’s day. Hang on!
Babies and small children don’t know anything about anything. YOU (the parent, caregiver, life manager, ECT) teach them everything they know about their lives. They watch you to learn how to walk, talk, point, go potty, make scrambled eggs, talk to a spouse, EVERYTHING. Except sleep. I know I’m going out on a limb but I’m guessing your kids have never watched you fall asleep. How could they? You can’t sleep until they sleep. And of course when they are you aren’t there to guide them.
And how is it so dangerous? Let’s remember that humans are adapted/Created to live outside where the wild things are. Sleeping is downright dangerous to this primitive mind. Your child doesn’t know how they can be sure that if they relax all their senses, close their eyes and stay very still Nothing will eat them; Unless of course they can feel you holding them or right next to them.
Now this is the part where I suppose you would be expecting advice on getting your kids to sleep. I surely can’t tell you anything that you haven’t heard before. I just wanted you to see going to sleep from this perspective. It’s a little reminder that you kids are NOT avoiding sleep just to get on your nerves. They do it because they know that you are the only thing that really truly can keep them feeling secure.