All children are different. The phrase that affirms that "each child is a world" is not wrong. There are babies who, from birth, sleep peacefully for more than 3 hours at a time. As they get older, the nights get better for the parents; their child sleeps, they rest, and during the day they can do their things quietly while the child plays. For many of us, this infant profile would be the dream; we can enjoy our son with a rested mind and without losing part of our personal independence.
But there is a group of babies and children who require more attention. This is only a problem for parents since they do not have equal rest or personal time. They are the so-called high demand children, although personally, I do not like to refer to them that way. Being high demanding is not related to any psychological problem or the famous "emotional blackmail" that many people accuse the little ones. Attachment is one of the most important things in raising our children and there are children who need more than others. It also happens to adults; There are people who need to be surrounded by people at all times, they do not like to be alone and for that reason they are not adults in high demand. However, a series of characteristics have been found that this group of babies and children have in common:
Energetic
Babies and children in high demand, soon and badly said, have inexhaustible batteries. They put a lot of intensity in everything they do, as if they were thinking: "If I do it, I do it well." Their mind and body are almost always ready for action. It is not uncommon for people who do not know them to diagnose them as hyperactive children.
In the case of being smaller, these babies almost always want to be in arms; they do not accept to sleep in another place that is not in contact with their parents. Also, having that state of continuous action in the body, they rarely fall asleep after breastfeeding or bottle feeding, which can lead to confusion that the milk is not feeding them.
Claimants
As their name suggests, they are very demanding babies and children. But what exactly? Not only is attention enough for them, they also want a reaction from you to what they do. They are usually children who they seek your approval in their actions. They will also seek you out for continued contact.
If you breastfeed, they will probably take too many feedings even if they are older.. For example, my 1-year-old daughter breastfeeds for a minute and after 5 minutes she comes to look for another minute. And, of course, your arms will not be enough and you will be wanting to have a third since it surely requires them more than other babies and children of the same age. They do not know how to calm themselves; Duels are best solved by the hand of people you trust, so leaving them with the tantrum on and not supporting them will hurt them.
Restless
It is not the same as energetic. A high demand baby or child, even if he is very tired, will sleep poorly. This means that we, as parents, will also rest badly. It doesn't work to keep them locked in their room between the bars of a crib. Letting them cry when they wake up at night and not attending to their crying is going to be a lot worse in the long run.
They will also have times during the day when they throw tantrums and tantrums that only they will understand. Their mind works very fast for the maturity they have. As parents, we must show who the adult is and teach them how to direct their emotions (be careful, you have to let them experience all of them but always accompany them).
Sensitive
They will not get used to an environment that does not make them feel comfortable; they will not adapt to what they do not like. If they hear someone raise their voices too much, they will show a far more "exaggerated" reaction than other children. The physical contact also has to be delicate with them since a "bad gesture", such as taking their hand away or something similar, can trigger a desperate cry.
Changing
Today one thing works to calm him down and tomorrow when the baby or child does it, he does not stop complaining or he looks very upset. This is because they are totally unpredictable and they are not very fond of the idea of following routines. They need to be stimulated And if they already know what is coming next, they will become bored and dissatisfied.
If you have a high demand child, arm yourselves with patience. When they grow up they will continue to be, but every day you have a new opportunity to learn from them. Remember that they have no problem and that the fatigue you will feel is completely normal.