Any experiences - DD traumatized by car crash last week

[ilovemydog]

DD (aged 2.3) was in the back of the car when an articulated truck hit us on the side. her brother, aged 7 months screamed on impact (everyone is OK physically)

She is having nightmares, will not get into the car and is very very worried about her brother.

[beakysmum]

Gosh, how awful, sympathies to you all.

No wonder she won't get in the car if that's the sort of thing that happens in a car (to her mind!)

Maybe try playing near the car with her one day, then in the car the next day, then the day after start the engine, then another day actually strap her in and go somewhere so she gets used to the car thing again gradually iyswim?

Hopefully someone else will be along with more ideas / experience

[ilovemydog]

Thank you!

[bamzooki]

Do you have some toy cars and lorries she could play with to help role-play it in her mind?
My DS had a very painful time in hospital recently and having some dolls and teddies, and bandages and doctors kit is helping him process what happened to him.

I think I have also heard about 'drawing therapy' for those who are less able to verbalise their feelings - draw/painting pictures of how they feel about their experiences. Not sure how you could convey that to a 2 yo though.

Good luck.

[NorthernLurker]

How awful for you! Have you tried your HV - they might have some good suggestions? How do you feel about getting in the car with them? In your shoes I would be very scared I think and find it difficult. Those feelings would undoubtedly transmit to the children. As time goes on and you process things a bit though that should decrease I would have thought.