"I think my seven year old son has a phobia of storms. The last time it thundered and lighteninged he began to cry and he screamed “I don’t want to die!” What can I do to help him with his phobia?"
Your son may have astraphobia, an irrational fear of thunder and lightning, or he may simply be experiencing an age-appropriate worry related to his safety during threatening weather conditions. In the case of the latter, his fear should subside with age, but in the meantime there are things you can do to help lessen his storm-related anxieties (these tips apply whether he has an actual phobia or age-appropriate fear).
For starters, he probably doesn't understand what is happening during a thunderstorm. Although he’s not yet old enough to grasp the exact science behind a thunderstorm, he is at an age in which “feeding his mind” should help to ease his thunderstorm fears. Get him some children’s books on the topic, visit a science museum, or talk to his teacher about the possibility of having a meteorologist visit the class. There is power in knowledge, and becoming more knowledgeable about thunder and lightning may help your son to feel less vulnerable during storms.
Another important point in helping him through this is to monitor your own reaction, both to the storm itself and to his reaction to the storm. If your son sees you “freaking out,” he’s likely to do the same. Remain calm and don’t belittle or dismiss his fear; nor should you shame him for crying. Instead reassure him in a quiet and loving manner that he is safe inside your home. You might also inform him that you will monitor the weather and move to shelter if necessary. Then, get him distracted by listening to music, playing a game, reading a story, etc. Do what you can to keep him busy until the worst of the storm (and his fear) passes.
No comments:
Post a Comment