My 5 yrs son is afraid of everything. He can't do anything by himself someone has to be with him all the time

Question

Last year he was left alone in the school bus. They find him maybe an hourlater and since then the nightmare begun. What can I do?

Answer 1

Children are very resiliant little creatures and often their reactions to situations are based largely on our reactions to things.

Make him face his fears with you by his side. Then make him do things on his own that he isn't right now. For instance if he doesn't like using the toilet by himself tell him he is getting to an age where he needs to go on his own. you can reassure him but don't baby him, even though you feel like your helping him you aren't

Answer 2

First I would have the bus driver fired, second give him counseling and make the school pay for it or either the ex bus driver. That is good for a start still he feels more comfortable being by himself again. He probably has some trust issues now since he cant really fend for himself. If you do go out to check the mail or get the newspaper... reassure him that you will be right back. Maybe that will help.

Answer 3

Poor little guy stil scared huh? Maybe some counseling will help the school should pay for it after all they created this problem when they left him on the bus. Try starting with small things he does on his own, show him how he can be alone for short times and nothing bad happens like he can play alone in his room for a while. Then just keep making the things he does alone longer and further from you. But he may need the counseling really I cant blame him for being scared now.

Answer 4

It sounds like he is just afraid to be left alone (I know, duh!) What I would do is to start small. Leave him in his room by himself for a minute and then come back and check on him. Let him know that you will always be there, even if he can't see you. A minute too long? Cut it in half. Gradually increase the time until he can stand being alone for 5 minutes, then 10, a half hour, an hour, etc. He needs to be reassured that he won't be left all by himself again, and the constant need for someone is how he does it by himself

Answer 5

You should go to the school board and tell them what happened. My guess is they already know. The school board should provide him with a therapist, preferably one you have chosen. They are responsible for this mishap and should be held accountable. You can go and ask for this request in a reasonable manner, just explain as you have on here. Calmly and you will get what you need for your son. You are in control, your son is out of control, and should be attended to right away. Take Charge Mom, no one else will unless you speak up. Good Luck, and take care.

Answer 6

Your son is still a fragile human being, and his fear is based on a real sence of abandonment. This fear is healthy because he understands the danger of being alone and that in many ways he is unable to defend/care for himself. The key to helping him overcome his fear is the same thing that helps us all overcome our fears... education. He was left alone and very volnerable for that time on the bus. He will have that image of defenselessness, and abandonment on him for some time. Try teaching him self reliance by teaching him to do some household chores for himself. Teach him to sort his own lundry. Put his own clothes up when they are clean. Have him help you in the yard. Include him in activities that will teach him self confidence, and self reliance. I know 5 yrs seems like a young age to start chores, but it doesnt have to be anything hard, and you can always be there to supervise at first. The point is to teach him a system of self reliance, so that he can build his self confidence and sence of self reliance causing the fear of being alone to slowly fade. To equate it to something adults can understand, think of yourself suddenly moving off in an unknown town. At first you know nothing of your surroundings, and you dont know anyone to help you. This can be very frightnening, but as you begin to explore your new town, you discover where to go and where not to go, and you meet new people. As time progresses, you become more familiar and more self reliant. The same process is the one your son will use to overcome his fear. Also, be patient, his traumatic experience will not simply turn off in a week. Includinjg your son in activities that involve other children his age will also help. As he makes friends he will slowly begin to associate with other children and feel less dependant on your constant protection. Again, patience is key as this process will not be quick and easy.

Answer 7

Get him some kind of counseling and make the school pay for it. How can a bus driver be so stupid as to leave a child on a bus alone. I would nail the jerk for child abuse and abandonment

Answer 8

He needs counseling and possibly something for anxiety.

Answer 9

let him go and talk to a counselor. they should be able to help your son overcome this fear. hope this helps. good luck.

Answer 10

aww he's 5. where you a stay at home mom? he will get over it probably.