Under 2’s and Quake Trauma...
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Topic: Under 2’s and Quake Trauma...
Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Subject: Under 2’s and Quake Trauma...
Date Posted: 16 September 2010 at 7:28pm
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DD's feeling the aftershocks at night in her bed. She's now screaming when it's time for us to leave the room and for her to go to sleep. Any ideas on how to help her settle again? Pre earthquake she was happy to go to bed, after bath and bottle and send herself to sleep. Now it's screaming, even if we stay with her. And not just I don't want to be here screaming, but really worked up panicy throw up kind of screaming.
I don't want us staying with her to become habit, but at the same time I'd do anything to help her feel safe in her room and relaxed falling asleep. Its so hard with these blimin aftershocks, she had a brilliant night the one before last 
She's 22 months. -------------  http://lilypie.com"> |
Replies:
Posted By: Lucky apple
Date Posted: 16 September 2010 at 10:05pm
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I think it is ok to stay with her if that is what settles her :-) You can't control the aftershocks, but you can control where you are to help her calm herself and "re-learn" that her bed and sleep is (for as much as we can control) a safe thing to do...
Perhaps try and add in some extra steps before you leave the room to help her remain calm...Maybe have some extra stories? or pottering for a bit putting things away or getting things out of the morning? Or cuddles in the dark before you do leave the room? |
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 17 September 2010 at 11:07am
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i know ethan is a bit older..but for him he was fine till that stupid aftershock right no bedtime.. he has a light next to the bed he never had before and it's been better and we cut out his day sleep..so not sure much that will help there I'm afraid:( hugs to you! ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: clover
Date Posted: 17 September 2010 at 11:41am
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Flake, I've no advice but what a horrible thing for you to be going through, hopefully the stupid after shocks stop soon and she's a happy content thing again soon! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: mummytobesep08
Date Posted: 17 September 2010 at 7:46pm
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flake, our wee girl is just about 24 months and she's been having a really hard time with the shakes too. I've talked to a few different folks about it (a child psychologist, social worker, plunket nurse etc)
The thing that everyone I talked to agreed upon was that while the aftershocks are still happening, the absolute best thing we can do is reassure them. If it means they are in bed with us, so be it, because this whole earthquake thing is traumatic for some kids and is well out of a normal human experience. She is scared, and the hard thing is we can't promise them that there will be no more shakes cuz we just don't know. Another tip that I found really helpful is trying to make her room a safe place again. Spend extra time in there during the day. Get a new toy like a teddy or book that is just to play/read in her room. A nightlight might give her a bit of comfort too (because the initial quake, and lots of the aftershocks, have been in the dark night when they are alone) Hang in there, it will pass, and she should slowly get back to normal.  I've noticed that my DD is slowly getting more comfy in her room, though every night that's bad sets her off again (like last night!)------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
Angel babes '07 & '10- <3 <3 |