Noise / fire / food anxious DD1 (4 years)

[thighsmadeofcheddar]

Hello

It was suggested I re-post here for some help
with my DD1 (4years).

initial post -

link

Her anxiety levels in regards anything to do with the cooker have now skyrocketed and she can hardly step foot into the kitchen without hysteria setting in.

Can anyone help?

Thank you

Don't know any advice regarding the the fear of the fire, but as far as noise is concerned, the ear defenders are great. DS2 is 4 and wears them when we're vacuuming or when there is something particular loud going on repeatedly (such as DIY here or even if next door).

I think the idea of small steps regarding fire is probably a good idea.

Dd1 (aspergers) has had many phobia's, most she has outgrown after a few months, she has a phobia of fire and at one time would not go near a birthday cake because of the candles and would not go near the kitchen. She can't stand the hoover or hand dryers. We use ear deffenders for both dd's (both on the spectrum).

It does get better as they get older, i think after a while they start to understand that they have to put up with loud noises etc.. as there is no way to really avoid them.

Thanks very much for replying.

I will get the ear defenders. We did get her to eat supper and breakfast in the kitchen today which was a step forward.

I wonder if her anxiety is increased because of the disruption of Christmas? Perhaps when everything settles down and normal routines are back in place she'll feel more relaxed and some of her anxieties will reduce again.

I posted on your other thread about my DD1 and thought maybe I should share a but more. She definitely gets more anxious about everything when something is worrying her or life is more stressful. She does have Asperger's syndrome but I imagine that could apply to all children who feel anxious.

If things are still getting worse I'd try to make things as normal and predictable at home as possible. I would encourage her to face up to her fears as much as possible but wouldn't push her to do things against her will.

I hope this gets better for her soon.

Thanks again Alison, it is definitely heightened at the moment. We went to friends for a party today and she had a whole room light by candles. Massive drama ensued and we had to ask the host if we could blow them all out. Sigh.

I do feel when it's a normal week she is less anxious. The routine of the week must seem less stressful. School, play, swimming repeat.

We're slowing thinking about ways to move forward. And also coming to terms with a daughter who needs this constant re-assurance.

Fingers crossed that things improve once the school term re-starts.

You do get used to having to offer reassurance all the time. It helps us if we can give warnings when a situation might be stressful so it doesn't come as a surprise. We do it without thinking now. It's just part of the routine.