Seriously, I don't want to be that annoying non-parent who's always telling parents all their child-raising tips, but my Eldest Goddaughter was afraid of thunderstorms and her mom did a little informal desensitization therapy with her using a video of thunderstorms. You know, the usual stuff; they talked about it, then they looked at the case of the video and its pictures of thunderstorms, then they watched a little bit with all the lights on and sound low, then a longer stretch, then lights off, then lights off and sound up...
I think that will work once he's a little further along cognitively. Right now he's at the "hey, unexplained noise and lights!" stage. I did find myself saying "thunder is when clouds bang together" and other explanations I remember from my own childhood, but that's all nonsense to him still.
This is key. Unfortunately last night's storms had 50mph winds and large hail, so I wasn't the picture of serenity...Mike, on the other hand, thinks storms are neato keano, so hopefully some of that will rub off on Charlie.
I remember when FOUR kids used to get in bed with me (J having retreated to the couch to get some sleep!) during a thunderstorm. (The oldest was at least 9 by then.)
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no subject
Date: 2010-10-25 03:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-25 03:52 pm (UTC)Seriously, I don't want to be that annoying non-parent who's always telling parents all their child-raising tips, but my Eldest Goddaughter was afraid of thunderstorms and her mom did a little informal desensitization therapy with her using a video of thunderstorms. You know, the usual stuff; they talked about it, then they looked at the case of the video and its pictures of thunderstorms, then they watched a little bit with all the lights on and sound low, then a longer stretch, then lights off, then lights off and sound up...
no subject
Date: 2010-10-25 04:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-25 05:36 pm (UTC)Well, thunder is loud and scary. Seeing you not frightened is going to be a big help.
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Date: 2010-10-25 05:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-25 06:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-25 06:10 pm (UTC)