Pat Gima is Right ON!

Kids don't learn much when they're asleep. Like, DUH.

And how do we increase brain growth of babies with Down Syndrome,
developmental delay, etc?  Add more stimulation, of course. Not let them
sleep longer.  DUH again. Of course premies need sleep - they weren't
supposed to be born yet and are a very special case.

My second child (now 26 years old) did not sleep unless she was touching my
body (see my earlier posts on "velcro babies). When she was in 4th through
6th grade, she attended a school for gifted children - admission criteria
was a documented minimum 130 IQ (maybe it was even 140.) The school
principal told the parents that part of being very bright is often a need
for less sleep. We all groaned in unison, having discovered that for
ourselves. She also told us "Smart brain, smart mouth" - we should expect
"interesting" conversations from our children. Again, we had already figured
that out, but her words were reassuring and validating. The parents were
nearly unanimous in describing their/our kids as "difficult" kids - didn't
sleep, often had allergies, needed tremendous amounts of holding, carrying,
etc - definitely NOT the "potted plant" variety of children. Which got me to
thinking - do smart kids "demand" the attention they need for optimum
development? Or do "difficult" kids get lots of attention and stimulation
which builds lots of brain muscle? I don't know. Maybe a little of both. But
they sure seem to go together.

I guess the Ezzo advocates prefer to grow potted plants instead of smart
kids.

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre
Dayton, OH USA
http://www.bflrc.com