Will my baby cry and will the crying damage them?

This is a question I get asked a lot when families are considering sleep training.

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) has published a report; the lifelong effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress along with a policy statement. AAP reviews stress levels in children reporting the following;

• Positive stress response: a normal response that is helpful for the growth of your child. These responses are not intense, irregular and short.

Whatever the stressful event the child remains supported throughout.

Processing these emotions and resilience is learning skill when these events occur.

When an event like this occurs biochemical reactions return to normal shortly after.

• Tolerable Stress: These are longer and more severe responses.

Examples include loss of a loved one, divorce, illness.

When the stressor is removed the brain returns to normal if the child is safe, protected and supported.

• Toxic Stress: This is a stressor that impacts the brain and body to such a level that recovery fails.

Care giving is absence and the child is left damaged.

Examples include sexual abuse, violence and household dysfunction.

I do not promise stress free sleep coaching and no tears.

However the above stress indicators give you a great example of how your child processes stress.

When a child struggles to sleep it can be damaging.

Sleep is essential to growth and development physically, mentally and emotionally.

So many things happen when you sleep;
– your immune system rests and repairs
– your cells grow
– your brain develops
– your emotions are able to regulate

It is also VITAL for parents to get sleep.

Sleep deprivation affects mental health, social relationships, diet, well being, relationship with partners and how you manage your children.

We know that when we lack sleep it affects our energy levels and moods.