Overly emotional 5yo DS

[thumbsucker]

My DS is 5 and a half and once again I'm on mumsnet trying to find out what the hell I can do to help him. He gets really really emotional at the smallest things, he's petrified of being anywhere on his own. Even on time out on the second step in the hallway, during the middle of the day when the rest of us are just a room away, he screams that he's really really scared and becomes hysterical - presumably of whatever monster lurks at the top of the stairs? I've tried being tough and I've tried being soft and I'm at my wits end. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Hi thumbsucker, great name btw. In this situation I have used prayer very successfully many many times. No other approach will be able to get to the reason why he acts the way he does so easily. It is so easy you could easily give it a try. You do not have to be a believer yourself to have a go, it should only take about 15 minutes or so to sort out.

1. When he is upset, first of all pray like so "Lord Jesus I ask you to give my DS your peace". Hold his hand and invite him to squeeze your hand when he feels more peaceful inside. This should take about 1 minute.

1. Then ask him, to express to you why he is afraid, if he knows. This will be something that he feels is true, though obviously it is not. The important thing here is to get the fear fully expressed. You might offer him the opportunity to draw it instead.

1. Once he has expressed his fear. Say "Lord Jesus, would you show my DS the truth", and wait for about 30 seconds to a minute. When something does happen, then simply ask "Lord Jesus is there anything else you would like my DS to know", and repeat.

This is so easy, please let me know how you get on.

Thanks Madamdeathstare, I've tried asking him what he's scared of, and tried to find out if anything is bothering him but it's hard to spend any amount of time alone with him as I also have a DD who is 3. He has started school and seems fine there, although from parents evening at the end of last term it seems he's not particularly great at reading/writing and numbers.