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It
is not uncommon to have an over-stimulated child. How do
you know if your baby is over-stimulated?
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Firstly,
you can see if your baby is over-stimulated by the kinds
of activities they are engaging in. |
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If your baby's activity time consists of toys that wiggle
and jiggle, artificial lights, computerised mobiles and television,
chances are that your baby is going to be over-stimulated
when it is time to sleep. |
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If, on the other hand, your baby's activity time consists
of soul nourishing activities such as outdoor time, the gentle
sound of you singing, massage, soft music and observing real
tasks that the family partakes in, your baby is not going
to be over-stimulated when it is time for sleep. |
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Secondly,
just like we process thoughts before we drift off, young
children process activities. |
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If a child's activies bombard their senses with artificial
stimulation, their bodies and mind will feel very busy and
chaotic. |
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If a child's activities are gentle on the senses and allow
them to experience the world around them in a way which they
can relate to, their mind and body will feel alot calmer and
ready for sleep |
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Do not be fooled into thinking that cramming lots of images
and experiences into activity time is going to tire your child
out. Although the effort of responding to alot of stimulation
exhausts children, it also keeps their mind so busy that it
is difficult for sleep. |
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Even though your baby may be interested in an activity, this
does not mean that the activity is good for them. I'm sure
your baby would be interested in exploring a knife or scissors
but that does not mean you allow it. The level of interest
your baby shows is in no way linked to whether the activity
is appropriate. That is for you to decide. |
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· It is important for children to have a time of breathing
in and breathing out (focussed activity and more expanded
activity).
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· Too much sensory information will keep your child's body
and mind racing, which not only interferes with sleep but
also leaves your child even more exhausted the next day.
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CLICK
HERE to find out about our Baby
Ease Sleep Solution which explains in great detail:
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· Activities that are not over-stimulating for babies
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· Specific wind down activities for just before bed
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The importance of routine to sleep
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Understanding tired signs
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When children are overstimulated, outside time allows
them to expend energy and calm down |
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