Can anybody help please? Over the last few days, my 8 yr old DS - who's always been a bit obsessional - has suddenly developed a very strong fear of tornadoes. He knows for sure that he's in no danger here in the UK and we've even spent time looking them up on the internet and clarifying why he's unlikely to see one, ever and if he does that it'd be v v mild. However, he's been so upset that he's taken to his bed and wants me with him all the time. I'm REALLY worried about him {sad}. It's also happening at the same time he has a bit of a tummy bug. So I guess his defences are down. But I can't get him out of this one and it's even reduced him to tears, which is unlike him.
I'm looking for advice about what to do to help him? Should I distract him or rationalise the fears? I've tried both but they keep coming back.
Also, can anyone else share their experiences of irrational fears in children - where the fear becomes obsessional and fixated - as opposed to an ordinary, passing anxiety - the like of which I might see in his twin brother. This is a different level of fear and it's now scaring me. Is this still just an ordinary developmental phase or something more sinister?
It doesn't help that I've been up all night with him sick. So I'm desperately tired myself now.
