OK, I'm going to be honest. This information might not be that encouraging for those of us with high needs babies and toddlers. Its hard to read of list of positives when you are sucking down caffeine like its your job just so you have enough energy to keep your kid from killing himself while you sit on the couch.
But, I swear there are some good things about having a high needs baby. Or at least that's what I'm told. Eventually, and I stress eventually, the same traits that drive us to the edge as babies and toddlers will help them become creative, successful adults.
These babies are driven in a way other children and babies aren't. As these children get older, their driven personality leads them to explore more, create more, do things other kids may be afraid to do. They are willing to take risks. Push limits. Create. All of which are excellent qualities. This is how new things are created.
Definitions of these traits change. As a baby we say inconsolable, as a toddler impatient, and as an adult its determined. Determination. Even Henry's behavior therapist made it clear that this personality will become an asset. She said, as a teen, it will be harder for people to influence Henry. He will make his own decisions. He will get what he wants.
Furthermore, there is some evidence that high needs babies are very intelligent. It's said that Einstein as said to have been a very difficult baby. While high needs babies may not sleep, they are spending that time learning.
Having a high needs babies also change us as parents -- for the better. They make us stronger, smarter, work harder. They force us to be more giving, more patient. They take us to the edge and force us to adapt. And, hey, at least we know that our high needs babies will always let us know when they need something. That's a plus -- right?
Read more Resources and References:
Mothering
Dr. Sears
Do you agree with these positives? Do you see any other positives in your high needs baby?
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