8yr old scared of being kidnapped...

[Britchic]

...just that really. My poor 8 year old son has been reading too much Famous Five and Secret Seven, and is now terrified that he's going to be kidnapped, especially now it's summer and the windows are open.

Every night he can't sleep as he's obsessing about it. We've talked through how unlikely it is to happen, why it can't happen (locks, burglar alarm etc). I've tried to teach him to think of different, happy things, to read gentle books before bed time, but he says his mind still goes back to his worries.

Any ideas how I can deal with this? I feel so sorry for him....

Thanks in advance

You need to borrow a Timmy dog.

Seriously though, would something like a rip cord alarm he can have give him a security.

I might be completely wrong so feel free to ignore, but maybe you should empower him. Take him for self defence or martial art lessons. Buy him a can of pepper spray. Talk about how he is strong and capable, and in the very unlikely event of someone trying to kidnap him he can scream, kick and bite.

Make a joke about how he is such a rotten kid, the kidnappers will bring him straight back again.

Play soothing classical music at bedtime to help him relax.

Is he in general quite anxious?

Thanks so much for your replies.

I was wondering about a panic alarm, but I thought that might be more of a reminder for him, and make more of a big deal of it. But LastingLight, I think you're right, empowering him is a good plan... talking about what he could do if anything happens to him - I'll do that. We are getting a dog soon (who he wants to call Timmy!!), so that might help him as will be more security.

I have also said that no-one would take him as he's a bit stinky! Makes him laugh, but doesn't stop him worrying.

He's not particularly anxious about stuff usually, though I am a big worrier (not that I voice my worries to him), so he's clearly got that gene from me

Thanks again for the replies.