Like I mentioned earlier, Sharks is deathly afraid of the smoke detector. Which went off AGAIN yesterday while I was making dinner. The obvious solution to this problem is to become a better cook. Duh.
But, what I really want is to help him calm down and stop getting so frightened.
I mean, he has a meltdown every time this happens. He is inconsolable, poor little guy. He just clings to me and shakes and cries and cries and cries.
Any ideas? What have you done (or heard of someone doing) to calm the fears of your kids?
3 comments:
What we'd do in therapy is systematic desensitization. meaning, you'd have him think about the smoke alarm. picture it in his head. get him to relax while he's thinking about the scary noise. then have him draw a picture about how the noise makes him feel. slowly, get him to where he's comfortable with the noise, then set it off when he's outside the house. slowly, work your way to where he isn't afraid, then bring him in the house and set it off. he should then draw another picture to tell you how it made him feel.
or, put tape over the sensor thingy.
Scripture memory is always helpful. Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid I put my trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid....
We knew a little song that went with that, it was easier to sing. I know it seems like it won't translate or mean much to a 2 year old, but you are teaching him that the Creator of the Universe cares for him and that is something that will continue all throughout his life. It probably won't offer immediate results...it's a real long term solution.
He will eventually get over it - just keep loving him through it. He sees every time that it doesn't hurt you or him - that will eventually sink in. Plus, maybe he has bionic hearing - he is kind of exceptional you know. Maybe it is three times louder for him than you - I'd cry too.
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