 | Would she go to sleep in your arms? Maybe the extent of her neglect has planted some insecurity that manifests itself when this child is alone, quiet. I can see that you have tried very good interventions, but maybe she needs to feel so safe in your arms to go to sleep, a time when we feel most vulnerable. Spanking surely wouldn't help this child anyway. I have four children ages 3-17, two with ADHD. Spanking wouldn't help any of them, and I long ago dismissed that.
It won't help this child to tell her she's being bad. That will just reinforce the self-image her mother started when she neglected her in the first place. You will have to work very hard with a child like this to convince her she is NOT bad, so she can be comfortable enough with herself to lay down and rest. She's testing you, she wants to see how much you really do love her. A loving response will give you the best outcome. |
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