1.18.2008

Monsters under the bed...

A few weeks ago Matthew had a terrifying nightmare. From what I can gather, a monster came out of the drain in the bathtub and took him back down it. Since that night, the fear of this monster consumes him. He won't listen to, "There are no such things as monsters." He KNOWS the monster exists and won't listen otherwise. I don't know how to explain to a 3 year-old that monsters don't exist on a level he can understand. One of his favorite songs is Heavenly Father Loves Me and so using this song I tried to teach him that Heavenly Father wouldn't create monsters, only beautiful things. No go. We have to have lights on at all times of the day, all doors, inside and out, must be closed and locked at night, every sound is scrutinized and MUST be identified or a breakdown is soon to follow, he sleeps in our bed everynight (which isn't a new thing) and I have to have my arm draped over him all night, and I have to go into the bathroom with him every single time he goes. Most kids are scared at night, he fears this monster 24 hours a day. If there is anyone that has any suggestions, I am happily awaiting them. As I am writing this, I am being scolded for turning off my bathroom light. Oops.

10 comments:

Laurie, the girls and Scott said...

Oooh. Good luck with that. We haven't had that problem - yet. Let me know how it goes. This sounds mean (or extremely helpful, depending on your point of view), but have you tried Benadryl? If that knocks him out you might be able to sleep without him for at least a few hours.

mrs. timberlake said...

I LOVE this post. Only because I have no idea what I would do and have no words of wisdom, but I loved reading about it. I like your idea of the hymn, too bad it was a no go. :( uh, er, good luck with that and keep us posted!

monica said...

Thanks.

Matthew wanted me to read one of the posts on here to him, so I thought, I'll read him the snot nose one. It's safe and has funny pictures. Now, read the first line of that post. Oops. The lights went on all over the house right after that. I'm a great mom. Way to go!

Lindsey M said...

Most people can't relate but I can! I still see monsters and I am 24 years old. Try telling a 24 year there are not any monsters. My advice to you is to believe him. I know the monsters exist, even if you can't see them they ARE there. If he can see them then they are real. Give him a "protective" night light that fights monsters. Did you know there was such a thing? I bet there may even be a saying that can ward off monsters, or even a special blanket. Just let him know that he is protected. Not believing him will only make him feel more alone and the monsters are more likely to get him.

monica said...

Thank you, Linds! I know how rough it was for you when we were little. I remember having to use our blankets to walk on to protect us from the monsters as we went from your room to mine at night. Those nights were rough.

aaron and meg facer said...

Have you tried the monster spray? There is a woman in Utah who markets scented water with a label on it that guarantees it kills all monsters. From what I hear, mom's swear by it. It's kind of spendy, though. $6 a bottle for scented water. I wish I would have thought of marketing that... Good luck!

mrs. timberlake said...

I think the part about believing him and giving him a tool to protect him against the monsters is brilliant. Come to think of it, I see things at night too. I just wouldn't call them monsters, per say.. and when Tony tells me they aren't there, I just get mad too. Anyways, have you tried the nightlight idea??? That was great advice!

Ashley -The Cutest Blog on the Block said...

Okay, I have heard about people raking a spray bottle with some scented water and label it, Monster Gone Spray, then each day spray the whole house with it while hje's watching. I've heard it works like a charm. Cute story though...

katie and co. said...

I have to be honest. I sometimes freak myself out when I'm walking up the stairs all alone or getting into my bed...There really are monsters. Really there are...GOOD LUCK!

Jamie and Brady said...

Hey,good luck with the monsters. Tessa is afraid of pants, let me know what works for you. By the way, you've been tagged...go to my page to get the details.. Spring Fling 2008!!!Yay!!!