We have serious issues with swans - leading to nightmares.

[minouminou]

We live very near the canal, and a breeding pair of swans has moved into the stretch we walk along every day.
Earlier this month one of the swans hissed very aggressively at the dog and DS (2 last Oct), and I think this rocked DS' little world, as he's never been on the receiving end, or seen aggression from an animal before.
He's been a bit funny about walking along this stretch since, and you can tell he's checking the swans aren't there, and if they are, I hold his hand and reassure him that neither the dog or I would let the swan get to him, and he has walked very gamely past the pair - however, I think they've really got to him.
This afternoon, after his sleep, he woke up hysterical...screaming and screaming, then snapped out of it and started doing his swan impression (hissing). I've been including swans in his repertoire of animal noises, thinking this'll help him, but I fear it hasn't.
This evening, instead of being out like a light at 7.30pm, he stayed awake until 9.00pm, and kept throwing his toys out of his cot AT something under the cot (according to DP, who went into him a few times), and he was swatting at something.
It's also just occurred to me that there's a dismantled Amby hammock under his cot, with white metal tubing - some straight, some bent....and I think he reckons it's a swan's neck.
This is being moved tomoz, but has anyone got any ideas to help poor DS - he's been such a sanguine little dude so far.
Also, I'm 28 weeks pregnant, and i think he's beginning to realise something's afoot - an insecure time for him, really.
Many thanks in advance.

Can you avoid this stretch or do you have to walk past it? Not trying to alarm you but a swan attacked a dog in our park recently. And now lots of the mums are concerned the same could happen to a child.

I went to an RSPB place recently where we were told in no uncertain terms that swnas get bad press and they are all bark but no bite. Not that that matters really if your son is frightened - it's very real for him. I think just do your best to avoid being near them. Out of sight, out of mind. It's totally natural instinct anyway if he saw the swan being hissy. I learned though at this RSPB thing that when a swan becomes ready to mate, they get very aggressive. Maybe you should consider this and contact your local RSPB? Good luck!

I'm terrified of swans and I'm 36 - sensible child, imho - they are, after all, bigger than he is, and bloody hiss-y!

I'm sure you're right that he's picking up that things aren't 'normal' and channeling his nervousness partly into the swans.

Tbh, I'd play it down - avoid the swans (I've also heard that nesting swans can be aggressive), and watch out for occassional chances to read stories where swans are featured/don't look frightening

Thanks guys. I'm not especially worried about the feathery bleeders attacking any of us, as they are in the main, like Katyamum said, all hiss and nowt else, and I'm not scared of them, so there'd be an unceremonious shunting back into the drink for the bugger!
However, obviously they're as tall as DS, and with those wings spread, they must look like the angel of doom to poor DS.
I think the idea of stories is a good one, without any overkill.
We can't avoid them everyday, as we walk along the canal to nursery, and also there are some on the temporary lake in Portmeadow here, but I won't force the issue of walking past them if he's reluctant.

graded exposure?

First some lovely swan stories (ugly duckling, perhaps?), then swan toy to befriend.

The geese in our urban park are cheeky feckers quite assertive so I do know how you feel. We always take the buggy to the park, as DD likes having this to retreat behind if they get to close.

Update - the blighters have gone, but when we walk along the canal now, he is obviously looking out for them, and is still doing his swan impression, but i have a feeling when he next sees them - or any others - he'll be a bit braver.