Firstly, there are few things I love more than listening to the rain falling on the roof. Apart, perhaps, from eating chocolate and listening to the rain fall on the roof.
But I have a problem. More specifically some of my children have a problem. But they are making it my problem. And it's getting really annoying.
A few months back we had a massive storm here in Perth. It was the biggest one I have ever seen.
I was at home with the offspring at the time, and their fear at the noises of the storm weren't helped by the fact we had water pouring into virtually EVERY room in the house. Our house is old, and apparently kind of leaky too.
I think they thought the house was going to float away, if it wasn't pummelled into nothingness by the hailstones first.
The two younger ones followed me to every room as I attempted to mop up the water and assess the damage everywhere. They cried and sobbed and I couldn't really console them. Even my theory about God washing his underpants didn't work. Neither did my scientific explanations.
The upshot is that now whenever it rains Miss Medium and Mr Small shoot into our bedroom shrieking in terror.
And they are genuinely frightened.
We've tried everything to reassure them, but we often end up with both of them in bed with us. Which makes it a bit of a squash.
So what do you think we can do?
How do we allay their fear?
Will I ever get an unbroken night's sleep again?
10 comments:
Totally unhelpful, but I say pull back the covers for them and move over. When they're older and stop coming to you with their fears you'll treasure those memories of nights awake, draped in warm bodies and listening to the rain. (although that may be hard to believe when you're right in the throws of sleep deprivation! :)
Oh Samantha we do love snuggling up with them. It's more that I want to help them stop being frightened about the rain and I don't really know how to do that.
Our offspring know we'll always throw back the covers for them I promise.
Hi Sarah!
My kids freak out when it gets wet and wild now too. The last couple of times we have had downpours during the day, i have told them to go outside and play in the rain! Wellies, rain coats and umbrellas. My mum NEVER let us play in the rain, and plus, if it was snowing, we would let them wouldnt we?! So when it does get a bit dodgey at night, i tell them to 'remember that time at the park when it was pouring with rain and you went out and got covered in mud.....' Kind of makes them forget....give it a go, and remember, you cant catch a cold through your feet!
Georgina xx
My 3yo used to be terrified of thunder & lightening, after one particularly gnarly storm.
Now when a storm hits, we get all excited about it and tell him it's rocket ships blasting off to the moon. Throw in a few astronauts for good measure and he's happy.
My fave parenting tool is distraction. If they get upset or scared of something I distract them with something else. Most of the time it works a charm. Other times I just endure an almighty tantrum!
Good luck :)
I think you're meant to launch into a rendition of "these are a few of my favourite things". Aren't you?
Altogether now:
Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens…♬
..."brown paper packages tied up with string!" I agree with mizanthrop.
I agree with distraction- thinking of their favourite things, smells, stories of comfort. or challenge their thoughts with the chances of this happening again which is highly unlikely in addition to the chances it will harm them, also on the highly unlikely end of scale. There's also the idea of a "super" blanket or along those sort of lines that will keep them safe?
Don't know if you would consider but I use flower essences with my little ppl and definitely helps.
Good luck!
My kids have never been concerned about storms, and I think it might be because I LOVE them. I walk around saying, "Oh, I LOVE the lightening and thunder!"
However - they have never experienced a leaking roof etc, so I can see why your littlies are a bit worried. I guess all you can do is keep reassuring them that everything will be ok, and attempt to convince them to head back to bed. I don't mind the odd snuggle, but I really don't love it when the kids sleep in our bed. It's too squishy and I don't sleep well at all. Make light of it, and they'll soon catch on it's ok.
Ah, the old patience thing once again. Bugger.
Good luck, hon. xx
We have some amazing storms here. We helped our kids get over them when younger by getting them to help us prepare, we get out the big torches, the head lamps, glow sticks, (we often lose power) Get them to arrange candles.
Giving them a torch each also helped. We use the same technique with fire readiness & evacuation.
We give them the tools they need to be prepared. It gave our kids the power over the storm, and over the fear.
Good luck!
My motto for everything is...
they'll grow out of it eventually.
and nothing you do or say can hurry it up sometimes.
Of course, I'm no expert, but that makes me feel better if I tell myself that.
Just enjoy the cuddles while you can. xxx
I love when the kids do that cause as they get older they definitely will stop doing that.
We tell the kids that God is bowling and every time the thunder booms he is getting a strike :) When lightening flashes that is God taking a picture of us. We also tell them that the rain is God watering us His flowers.
That's great that your kids cling to you when they get scared, and I think it is so great that they depend on you for comfort.
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