Why may my child be misbehaving December / Winter?

December
This is a hard time of year for grown ups and children. There are changes in school and work schedules, in routines, in the home and school environment, changes in the food we eat, changes in the clothes we wear and even changes in the weather. All these affect our behavior. Let's look at each one of these.

Changes in schedules. There are more parties, shopping trips, visiting friends and relatives going on. To some of this, it is unexpected. This can cause some stress.

Changes in routines. School is out more then it is in, which means different people are watching the kids, whether it be in the home or longer times in daycare.

Changes in time. We have just had a major change in time that also affects us; meaning we are getting up at a different hour and going to bed at a different hour then our Body Clocks are used to. This also affects when it is dark and light outside. If you haven't read about the D deficency that happens to people in the North West, you may want to look it up. Since we get less daylight and sunlight our bodies absorb less vitamin D which can cause tiredness, crankiness and depression.

Changes in environments THIS IS A BIGGY! We change our homes this time of year. Think about it. We may bring in a live tree (I am allergic to pine and didn't know until I was 16 yrs old!). We light candles (could be increasing lead levels). We bring up holiday items from basements or down from attics. Think about the mold and dust (again allergies need to be considered). We also add lights that sparkle and some that make music. All of these things can be stressors to are already stressed systems.

We change the way we eat. We eat more during parties, gatherings and just in general this time of year. We eat more sweets, chocolates and sugar. If you haven't read about Candida, you may want to look this up as well. When we eat a lot of processed foods (breads, cakes, crackers) and sugary foods we can be feeding the bad bacteria in our guts, which can cause an overgrowth of that bad bacteria. This can also lead to emotional outbursts, temper tantrums, aggressive behaviors and perplexing behaviors. (I believe this has a lot to do with "bad" behaviors seen in many otherwise loving children!)

We change the way we dress. We wear more fancy clothes, which usually means synthetic fibers (not natural like cotton, silk). We buy new fancy shoes to go with our new fancy outfits. Shoes can also be made of synthetic material. We need to wear natural fibers in order to ground ourselves and release extra energy. Do you get shocked a lot more this time of year?

Then there is the change in the weather. Some people are bothered by the change in seasons. When the rain comes so does the increase of molds. When a storm is coming in there could be a change in pressure (barometer) which affects some peoples sinuses and heads causing headaches and sinus pressure. We need to take care of ourselves.

We need to look at behavior as a means of communication. What is different? Why this time of year?

We all need to be drinking MORE WATER!

We need to eat 5-6 small meals a day of healthy foods.

We need to say NO and mean it. We need to get exercise and stay active.

We need to be tolerant of differences and remember that this is a time of love and giving.

Take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones and remember to be grateful everyday!

If you have any questions about any of this information, please fill free to email me at BabyPowerEverett@aol.com.

Becky Blake, Owner www.babypower.com/everett
Changing the world one family at a time.

Break Thru Autism and other developmental and neuro delays QUICKLY!
(sensory, speech, motor, and learning issues)