He is okay if he goes to bed while we (me and my husband) are still awake but if he wakes up during the night and we're all asleep, he gets scared. He has been going in to sleep with my 16 year old son and the 16 yr. old does not like it all. I have told my younger son to turn on a light and read or play a video game but it doesn't work. I've also suggested he pray and read his bible but the fear is still causing him a lot of anxiety. I'm wondering if I should take him to a doctor and get a prescription for something to help him?
2007-10-21 07:03:37 · 12 answers · asked by Thia R 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I think your child feels fearful becasue he feels insecure. You must read with him and pray with him at night. Hold him close while you pray. Lay with him until he falls asleep. Pray for angels to surround him and keep him safe. Let him know how proud you are of him that he growing up to be such a wonderful son. Make sure the curtains are pulled and he sees the windows are securely locked. Reason with him that everyone else in the house is safe. Why would something bad happen to only you?
If he slept for 3 hours alone, praise him for it and tell him how brave he was. Offer a reward if he sleeps through the night alone. Don't medicate your son at 10. This can be resolved. It just takes some dedication on your part. Best to you.
2007-10-21 08:32:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My youngest son used to be afraid of the dark as well... but that was when he was 4. My other son and my nephew (who I am guardian of) have never been afraid at all.
The fact that you asked about drugs leads me to think that you are the problem. No offense, but anyone that even comes close to thinking drugs are the answer isn't facing the 'obvious' hard choice. That is... you have to yell at him and tell him he must sleep with the lights off and to stay in bed. That if he leaves that bed, he will REALLy have something to fear.
Oh maybe... just maybe he might cry the first 3 nights. So? Tough love is real love. Eventually he will realize that there is nothing to fear in the dark and learn the important lesson of facing up to your fears.
Something that it seems you may need to learn yourself. Do I sound mean? Maybe.... but like I just said, tough love is real love. Love ya.
;-)
2007-10-21 14:35:01 · answer #2 · answered by bum_for_3_months 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a night light will help tremendously! leaving the door open will help, checking the closets is a good idea... and perhaps the promise of a treat in the morning or at the end of the week (whatever is good for your budget) (follow through)if he stays in his room for the whole night without creeping into bubba's room. paint his room a kid friendly color, these are just some ideas to try hope it helps you! but ask your pediatrician if there is something he can do to help with... giving sleep aides to a child is not a great idea (last resort)
2007-10-21 14:15:32 · answer #3 · answered by Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must leave one of those special lights they make for children in his room. It's a very dim light and often has pretty effects or patterns on it, like it will rotate and 'throw' stars up against the ceiling, I'm not sure if you know what I'm talking about. Don't trivialise this fear, nor make a fuss of it. It's a natural fear that goes right back to the days of the cavemen. You probably find it very distressing right now, but he will eventually outgrow it.
2007-10-21 14:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by CelesteMoone 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm 15 & i'm still scared of the dark ( some people never outgrow the fear). What helps me is i leave my bedroom door open ( my bedroom's right next to my older brothers so i know if anything should happen he would be right there so that helps). Maybe you can get him a stuffed animal to sleep with? My dog sleeps in my bed so that helps...
2007-10-21 14:12:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
First off, get him out of your bed and especially the elder son's bed.
Secondly, video games and tv after bedtime are not a good idea.
get a bright nightlight, a dimmer for the light or a lamp to leave on.
he is 10 and he will grow out of it if the coddling stops.
2007-10-21 14:12:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
give him a night light they help tremendously and some have cool designs you could lay next to him until he goes to sleep then go to your room he might like that you check closet under bed etc. good luck,
keep asking
2007-10-21 14:54:28 · answer #7 · answered by Billy C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make him suffer through it. It's probably your fault for spoiling him so much as a baby. Imagine how embarrassing it will be for him when he sleeps over at a friend's house and they can sleep just fine in the dark. For his own good, you have to let him cry, scream, whatever, just make him sleep in the dark and he'll get used to it.
Don't give him drugs, whacko. Would God want him to take drugs for something so trivial?
2007-10-21 14:16:27 · answer #8 · answered by Dust ~ 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Leave a tv on where he can hear it at..or a light outside his door.
2007-10-21 14:59:06 · answer #9 · answered by tw9165 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a dimmer in his room. Let him sleep with the lights on each night. Slowly make it darker in his room, until he gets used to it.
2007-10-21 14:08:05 · answer #10 · answered by Naldoxcore 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋