Hello
My DD (8) has always been quite an anxious child, but also a funny mix - really confident in some things (eg talking in class infront of everyone) but gets fixated on certain things to worry about.
Thunderstorms were one a few years ago but since they she seemed to not be as bad.
Anyway, there was a ferocious thunderstorm here last week - I have never seen one like it in 43 years - windows shook, the boom was so loud.
DD was at school down the road but they experienced it just as strongly. DD was so terrified she threw up and they had to put ear defenders on her. The whole class was screaming which probably didn't help.
Since then she has been absolutely terrified of even just rain. Really hysterical. Incase it develops into a storm.
She has sobbed every morning before and at school because she's so scared to be away from me. She doesn't want to leave me to go in which she has never done before.
I've shown her videos of what thunder / lightning actually are and if you are inside you are safe.
We've talked about rain being good for the planet.
I've tried writing down her fears (I think mostly being struck by lightning)
I've never experienced such a strong phobia before. School also at a loss - they studied a painting last week that had rain cloud in and her teacher said she started trembling and crying even at that.
Help! How do I support her through this?
I check the forecast with her every morning but obviously even when no thunder is forecast I can never 100% guarantee there won't be any.