
We talked very briefly about making changes in your life. Take 1 or 2 "things" that are distracting you from life, make a plan to make the changes, break it into small parts and reward yourself for each part.
Remember! The permanent and meaningful changes happen when you "go small"!
Momma burst into the room to bust him and ended up teasing him and loving him up. After all, after Alexa gave him the answer, he said, "Thank you, Alexa, for helping me with my homework".
What a great kid. Oh, the unintended consequences of the digital age.
Here's the link. Smile a little!
She asked for recommendations and I asked her not to treat with melatonin although hundreds of thousands of kids under the age of 18 are being prescribed the powerful hormone "off label". When a doctor writes a prescription "off-label", that means that the medication is being used for an age that it was not approved for or it's been written for a condition for which it has not been approved.
Melatonin is most effective for blind children and children with autism. It has NOT BEEN APPROVED FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. It impacts the hormonal aspect of puberty and could cause lifelong problems! Here's an article I wrote about melatonin.
I recommended the use of a weighted blanket. No side effects there. The weight of the blanket increases the production of serotonin (the naturally-occurring antidepressant) and oxcytocin.
Always talk with your pediatrician first because certain medical conditions may prohibit you from using a weighted blanket. Choose a natural fiber blanket as the others get too hot. In terms of weight, consider this guidelines. Determine your child's weight. Determine 10% of that weight and add 1-3 pounds more. There are many different kinds, so look around. I like what parents say about SensaCalm.
As I did further research, I see that there are benefits from weighted blankets for those with sensory processing disorders, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia.
As I think about this, I wonder if a weighted blanket would be helpful for an anxious pet during thunderstorms, fireworks, whatever!
So fun!
Claudia
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