Concerns over 4 year old

[vanessaw200]

I've a 4 year old girl. Her sleep has always been bad since birth, and we've seen all the so called experts . They told me that when she started school it may improve. It has to a degree and is an improvement compared to a couple of years ago. But the school are aware of her sleep problems and the subsequent behaviour.

This week, the sleep has been atrocious and she's been getting less than 10 hours a night despite the fact we been out most days to try and wear her out to get her to sleep longer. The lack of sleep means that she is even more hyper than normal and her behaviour has been worse as well. She is so tired but will not sleep longer than 10 hours.

What can I do ??????

When sleep isn't a problem, she is always on the go. This means constantly running, leaping,jumping, gigging around even in front of the telly. She never sits still even when she does sit down and is always fidgeting. When she wants to sit on your lap, she justs launches herself at you and then fidgets constantly and then proceeds to climb all over you. Constantly talks even if you tell her to be quiet, she still carries on. Can be quite clumsy but that's more if she's tired.

Would you be concerned, should I be concerned, What can I do ???

Or am I just a Crap Mother !!!

Cos I'm finding it all very frustrating to deal with and I wish knew what to do ??? I know a lot of 4 year olds and whilst some of them are lively they're not like my daughter.

Thanks

[seeker]

How much sleep do you think she ought to have? 10 hours seems fine to me!

[DaftApeth]

I would agree with those who have suggested sensory integration difficulty or sensory seeking behaviour could be the issue here. Hyperactivity, unable to concentrate, constipation (funnily enough) and toe walking (I know that was another poster who mentioned this) are all symptoms of this.

Obviously, 4yrs is very young but most children her age would be at least starting to be able to sit still for a short time - particularly at school/nursery when everyone else is sitting.

The fact that holding something at story time helps also suggests a sensory issue, imho. You could try giving her a stress ball at home to fiddle with whilst she watches tv and see if this helps her to sit still for longer.

Does she respond to being hugged firmly i.e. does this help to calm her? Does she like tight clothing or wrapping herself up in her duvet, for examlpe? All these would give her body lots of sensory feedback and help to calm if she is a sensory seeker.

An Occupational Therapy assessment may help if it is a sensory issue. You would probably have to do this through your GP. Perhaps the school nurse could advise you when you meet her.

If you google 'sensory processing disorder' and 'sensory seekers', you will find more information on this - most of it is american though.

I hope you get some ideas and strategies to help your dd.

[tryingtoleave]

Ok - if you ever decide to go for it, just google failsafe diet or RPAH (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) Elimination diet. It's quite well known here in Australia - not some kind of loony fringe thing. Best of luck anyway - I know what it's like to have a child who is always on the go.

I must say, shockers, I kind of miss the juice since it's been banned from the house. Oh wel...

[vanessaw200]

Seeker - We aim for 10 hours as we know that she will be calmer though still hyper but a bit calmer and easier to deal with. If it's less than 10 ie 9 or less then we know it could be a bad day.

DaftApeth - still not sure about it being sensory seeking but do take yoyr point. If you hug her tight she moans that she's being squished. She tends to throw the duvet off.

I got called into a meeting at the school yesterday in regard to her concentration and fidgeting and they're referring her to the School Nurse to which I hope to be there at the meeting