nightmares

[MumRum]

My ds is 9, nearly 10 and in year 5 at school. About 4 months ago he saw a program about ghosts and potigiests (sp) he is now terrified of them, won't go upstairs on his own... won't have the door shut at night... sleeps with his light on.. etc.. we have been really sympathetic, ie going upstairs with him so he can go to the toilet etc.... we have told him that everyone is scared of something and he'll soon grow out of it.. but just wondered if anyone else has similar experiences with their children.. I mean how long do these phases go on for...
he is a tough little guy, plays rugby fearlessly and can go down the halfpipe on his skateboard
thanks

I read a book about them when I was about 8. The phase has lasted until now - I'm 31. OK, I don't sleep with the light on etc., but I still sometimes get really freaked for no apparent reason.

oh god... imagine him going on a rugby tour and having the other lads moaning at him that he wants the light on at night...

I remember going through that phase exactly at that age. I did grow out of it
What he needs is an action plan - what would he do if he were to see a ghost. How would he handle it? He could write down his plan to read when he gets worried. I think having a plan on what to do if you meet your scary thing can be really helpful sometimes.

same here, from a similar age, until i started proper science lessons at school (we were lucky and had decent teachers/curriculum) aged 11.
when i started feeling afraid at night, i'd be like "it's just protons, neutrons, electrons and energy...there's nothing else"
worked a treat
maybe get your boy some physics/chemistry books aimed at his age
it'll pass, no doubt

good idea OhYouBadBadKitten.. an action plan now why didn't I think of that...
I've just been up to check on him now and he has pillows (my pillows) all round his bunk bed and is sweating hot with his head under the covers.. presumalbly to be hidden.
if he has a nightmare in the night he does come and get in with us....

We will discuss an action plan for if he sees a ghost tomorrow... so my next question is.. what should one do if they see a ghost or poitagist (sp)

You need some sort of talisman I reckon. How about "an old piece of family jewellery that used to belong to your great nan". Or a photo.

Maybe not considering his age.

How about some sort of "mantra". Along the lines of "you're not real and I don't believe in you" repeated 5 times very quickly. If you say that, a ghost will instantly disappear cos it feeds off your fear. (Tell him with conviction, like you're a ghost expert, or have looked it up on the internet).

Or something more practical, like a torch under his pillow just in case he needs a sudden light to fend off a visiting ghoul.

you are all wonderful... why hadn't I thought of these ideas.... action plan.. mantra.. torches...

I think getting him to brainstorm some ideas is probably best. He might think of some odd ones but who cares. Poor lad!
Does he like Harry Potter? Perhaps he could treat it like those ermmm - forgot what they are called, the creature thingummy kept in a cupboard and they all had to imagine their fear dressed up silly. A boggart??