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5 year old - scared/fearful- especially at night

3 replies

TTCmay · 27/01/2013 19:35

Hi, just after a bit of advice really.

DD has become so fearful. During the day she wants doors shut behind us, wont go upstairs/downstairs without me etc

However at night it is even worse. She cries every night going to bed and I am up the stairs at least a few times to get her down. But then she is up about 9.30/10pm screaming. She seems asleep- sometimes I wake her if she is really hysterical . Otherwise I try leave her asleep. Sometimes she wants to check there is nothing in bathroom.

Then a few hours later she is up again and up in my room. Sometimes hysterical and sometimes she climbs into bed. I obviously want her to go back to her bed, but she is so upset it has taken an hour or two.

Recently I have give in and let her get into bed (OH is working abroad right now). I am pregnant and am shattered by the whole thing- but I know this is a bad routine to get into.

She is becoming more aware of dangers eg why we set house alarm etc, not speaking to strangers, etc. so i guess that might be sometthing to do with it. It seems to be fear of noises (we live in a terrace house on a relatively busy road!). However it is also lions, monsters etc

We've talked about it at day and night, but nothing seems to reassure her. I've tried reward/removal of treats. She has always had door open with hall light on all night. Nothing is working

It's been about 2 weeks - every night. It seems a silly thing to ask the dr about, but I've no idea what to do. Any ideas? Thanks!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
louise3louise3 · 27/01/2013 21:56

Hi, has she ever slept through or is this a recent thing? My 3.5year old had never slept through and we were despairing as she was waking us all up every single night screaming. Eventually the doctor conceded that it wasn't normal and she was put on to an antihistamine to get her to stop her night terrors. It has worked thank goodness and daily behaviour is much improved although she's still having tantrums. I have to add that she was 3 months early and a twin and may be mildly autistic/aspergerss but I think if you have concerns take her to the doctor and don't be fobbed off. Children do go through phases as well - my now 12 yr old son could be quite sensitive but seems to have grown out of it now. Has she started school or changed bedroom? Hope this helps you.

StarfishEnterprise · 27/01/2013 22:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TTCmay · 28/01/2013 20:47

Thanks both. Yes this is recent behaviour- apart from a bout of night terrors at about 3yo she has been a generally good sleeper.

I do appreciate the baby news is new, and whilst she is super excited I can understand unsettling. But I only told her last weekend about the baby so it's not the trigger as the waking up screaming had been going on over a week by then

I'll see how the next few days go! Thanks

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