Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Calling all Mothering Experts...

Ok Moms, I really need some advice.....here's the scoop....
Three nights ago, Daxton must have had some sort of terrifying nightmare, because he woke up and came into bed with Ben and I really early. We didn't think too much of it until we realized the next night that he was terrified to go to sleep in his own bed. He keeps saying something about alligators trying to eat him.....sad, I know. He doesn't even want to take naps anymore, and for those of you who are well acquainted with Daxton, he LOVES his naps! So far, nothing will console him, not binkies, blankies, or anything. Last night, when we told him it was time to get ready for bed, he got so upset he threw up. Even when we tried to tell him that he could sleep in bed with Ben and I, he told us, "I just have to stay awake." It's maybe the saddest thing I've ever seen. Well, one of them anyway. So, what do we do now? Last night, he finally went to sleep on a foam pad next to my side of the bed, but he woke up a few times during the night really upset. Do any of you have experience with these kinds of things? Advice would be much appreciated as we are kind of at a loss. We tried letting him take a flashlight with him to bed, but that didn't seem to help. Okay, well, thanks in advance for the tips.

8 comments:

Amy said...

Man. That sounds awful. I unfortunately do not have any advice for you. I will ask around though. Poor little guy!

Allison said...

A few ideas: "monster spray"- an empty can of lysol or a water squirt bottle that he can use to repel the monsters.
A new soldier or fighter toy to guard his bed.
A mosquito net to keep the bad things away from his bed.
My kids like to yell at them "Go away monsters!" or "Get out of my room!", They're a bit older than Dax, but it might work.
You could sit in his doorway (without looking at him) until he falls asleep.
Nightmares are a really hard thing. Maybe one of these will work, maybe you'll find something else. Good luck!

DC United said...

wow...that post just made me super sad for Dax! I remember when I had nightmares way bad as a kid...Freddy Kruger will forever hold a place in the back of my head. I hope he overcomes it soon, for your sake and his!

Annie said...

That may be the saddest thing I've ever heard! Breaks my heart for little Dax. I wish I had some good advice - but I don't. Allison's ideas were fab. I need to remember those for nightmare time at our house. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Shelley Stephens said...

Poor Dax, I'm so sorry. I hate the nightmares. Jase has them fairly often. We try and talk to him and tell him their not real, but that doesn't seem to work. What works for him is he has a huge alligator that portects him and his froggie. We also told him about the monitor and taught him how to talk to us through it. If these things don't work you/Ben could try giving him a fathers blessing and talking to him about what that means. I've had to have Keldon do that for me. Hope any of this helps. It's no fun being scared. Good luck.

tiffany and darren said...

I want to cry for Dax. That breaks my heart!! Obviously, I can't really help in the mother area, but I did learn a thing or two when working with kids. A lot of times they believe the things that you make up. Because the dreams are in his head, maybe you could make him believe you that the "monster spray" will get rid of them completely. I love Allison's ideas.
I wish I could really help or even just be there to hold the poor little guy. I sure love that kid and hate to see him suffer. I will say a little prayer for him tonight.
Do you know what he needs? Some webcam time with his Aunt T!

Jamie said...

Poor little guy. I haven't experienced that one yet, so I don't have any advice. I still have nightmares that scare me so I could probably use the advie myself. Good luck!

Emily said...

I know what you are going through. Bailey had a nightmare about cows and that is what made us have to move to the big girl bed from the crib (very early). She would not get in her crib. Maybe going to the store and letting him pick something to change the bed a little. A new blanket or pillowcase. Also, before Bailey goes to bed (if she is nervous) we walk around the room together with a light and look in the closet, under the bed, behind the door, etc. Also, we saw a special prayer to help us be safe. I am so sorry. It was a very traumatic event at our house. I hope it gets better. Call me if you want to talk. Good luck!!