Monday, November 9, 2009
Chapter 2 Again
Dr. Judith Owens says, "Sleep habits are not typically considered when kids are assessed for behavioral or learning issues. Absolutely every child who's being evaluated for academic, learning, behavioral problems or ADHD should be screened for sleep issues." What's your response to this statement?
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I agree...I think that many of the behavioral issues that children struggle with are due to lack of sleep. I have seen it in the fast-paced lives of many students that I have taught over the past 16 years. There is no fault to lay on anyone, but the reason for the behavior can be so different than what we think it is....ADHD, academic issues, behavior issues...
ReplyDeleteI also agree. Parents often want a "quick-fix" to their child's behavior issues. Many doctors are too quick to just give pill. The result is alot of children on medication who shouldn't be! However, giving a pill is alot easier than trying to change habits!
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree! I think bedtime should be the first area examined. In fact, it is one of the first questions that I ask parents who come to me concerned about their child. While it can be difficult for some families to commit to making changes, it's far better and easier than watching a child continue to struggle academically and/or behaviorally. Over the years, I have met with countless teachers and parents to discuss academic and behavioral issues. In all these meetings I've yet to talk with someone who reported that their child was getting enough sleep! Very often the child's bedtime is extremely late according to the recommendations made by this author. Most of the parents I have spoken with just did not have any idea that the most appropriate bedtime for their child was alot earlier. They also had not thought to make the connection between lack of sleep and poor academic performance and/or misbehavior. Likewise, teachers often don't consider bedtime when trying to understand or modify a child's behavior. I am proud to say that I am hearing this question from teachers much more often now. As a result, we have seen great improvement in academic/behvioral issues in certain students whose parents have made changes in the child's sleep habits.
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