Mr. Brown makes thunder and I have two little girls who do not like thunder. Let me clarify, do not like is an understatement, more like terrified to the point of shaking and crying.
We have had quite a few storms here at night and this middle of the night waking up is not allowing for a sound sleep for four out of five of us.
History: When the kids and I were staying at my parent's house I would simply put Addy in the bed with me and she would go right back to sleep and stay asleep. She needed and wanted the comfort of mommy. I know this has bitten me in the ass, but it was a completely different situation with my lack of sleep and higher levels of stress and wanting the kiddos to feel extra loved while daddy was away. Fast forward to now and not only is Addy waking up during these storms but Kinsley has been as well for the past month. Kinsley is the one who is petrified when she hears thunder. She will be sobbing and shaking in fear yelling for mommy or daddy.
Our current solution: We are putting the girls back in their rooms, calming them down, telling them to put their fingers in their ears or hide under the blanket and try to reassure them there is nothing to be scared of. We are even keeping their doors open during storms to help them feel safe and it has been keeping them in their room for the most part, but Kinsley will still start crying and shaking when another thunder booms.
What else can we do? Ideas and suggestions are welcomed and needed.
Side note: We have a couple of books about storms and not being scared, and that obviously isn't working.
I have NO idea. I will be asking you in a year or so, I'm sure. Right now the girls sleep through it but I'm sure that will change.
ReplyDeleteDo they have a night light or lamp they can have on for comfort during storms? Could you go on a storm watch to show there isn't anything to be afraid of?
I have no advice. We fight the EXACT battle here with Tot and she's 5, going on 6. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteWe tell them that God is moving his furniture or that he's laughing so hard that he's crying (the crying is the rain).
ReplyDeleteThen we talk about where he's moving his couch or what could have made him laugh so hard and it takes their mind off the thunder. I think having those visuals in their minds has helped a little bit...they're not so afraid of this noise that is so hard to explain.