|
|
|
|
|
Rough Mornings Any suggestions on getting my 10 bp son to get up in the morning? Every morning he fights getting up for school (and he loves school) and once he does get up he’s copying anything his brother or I say, laughing inappropriately, saying “ I can do what I want”, sometimes hitting and kicking and laughing about it. We have been trying a star chart, which isn’t working, once he gets a frown instead of a star, he doesn’t care anymore. If he gets all stars and no frowns, he gets to skip something at school. I’ve tried taking away Xbox, taking away other things. I’ve tried giving his meds and letting him sleep for another half hr. that doesn’t work either. Today I was not going to fight with him again, and he just went to school now at 9:30. This is the first time I’ve sent him late and I don’t want it to become a habit.
Kelley
Dear Kelley, Mornings are tough for many kids, especially those fighting BPD symptoms, which so often are worse first thing in the morning! I would suggest making a plan with your son at a calm time to deal with the AMs. Ideas to consider when making this plan include: When are meds taken in the evening and AM—could switching these times help? Would an earlier bedtime help? Would waking him 30 minutes before the real wake-up time and giving him some meds with juice then letting him sleep a bit more help? (This will only work if he doesn’t take meds that can result in nausea on an empty stomach). Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Fristad |
|
|
|
