Someone With A Toddler PLEASE Help?

Simulating caterpillars with pipe cleaners doesn't sound like a good idea to me. If she actually sees wormy things in her bed, won't that visual experience reinforce her fears, which until now have been only imaginary?

 

It does not sound like night terrors which is more trance like. It sounds like bad dreams.

We had the same issue with our 2 year old only it was with "monsters in my room"

I had her show me where the monsters were and in a loud voice said "MONSTERS GO AWAY" and then had her repeat it.

We also moved the bookcase where the monsters were hiding to show that there were no monsters.

FWIW she grew out of it.

 

Pete,

I would have a discussion with her today about caterpillars and remind her that they are nothing to be afraid of. They don't hurt people and they turn into butterflies.

And maybe draw some butterfly pictures.

 

My daughter had the whole bad dream thing -- we told her that there were no monsters, but if they ever came back, they were afraid of the light and we gave her a little flashlight to keep by the bed.

 

Get some gummy worms, put them on the bed and tell her, "Don't worry, Daddy eats them!"

And put away a little cash for later therapy.

 

By later, you mean August, right?

 

My boys are older now (11 & 8) but yeah I admit I overreacted whenever they had a problem thinking we were setting the wrong precedent allowing them to sleep with us. These things were almost always 1 day things and they got over them. Good luck.

We never had a caterpillar infestation but who knew that 100 monsters could fit in a closet?

 

Things were as normal as could be today. Nary a mention of caterpillars - or any other sort infestation or invasion.

Went straight to bed when asked — actually asked "Is it bedtime yet?" at one point.

Kids never cease to amaze me.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Loved the one about Teddy standing guard.

Also loved the gummy worms reference — and, of course, Slappy's response.

 

Teach her about the butterfly effect. Then have her watch Inconvenient Truth.

 

Freud says that caterpillars represent tiny penises. If your daughter is afraid of them or repelled by them - this may be her subconscious trying to come out as a lesbian. By any chance - does she like to have her hair cut short?

 

Do you drive a Subaru?

 

Or watch the WNBA?