Peeping Tom caused MAJOR fears

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2006
Peeping Tom caused MAJOR fears
2
Fri, 11-17-2006 - 3:53pm

Three weeks ago while getting ready for work in our new home, we had a "peeping tom" incident. I was in the bathroom getting out of the shower while my husband and his 9 yr old son were about to leave for school/work. Needless to say, I let out a scream that had my fiance running outside after this pervert. Well, since that time, my 9 yr old SS has been scared to death and not only at our home, but his mom's too. He says he is afraid someone is going to come through the window and get him.

For the first two weeks, we allowed him to sleep on the floor in our bedroom as we knew how scared he was (I was too!). But now, he still won't even walk from room to room in the house. While getting ready for bed/ready for school in the morning, if one of us doesn't stand right next to him in the bathroom, he will get completely hysterical. I mean we can't even be around the corner, talking to him the whole time - he MUST be able to see us. We've tried getting him back into his own bed, with one of us sitting with him until he falls asleep. That worked the first night. However, when I walked out last night (thinking he was asleep when apparently he wasn't) he went totally hysterical again.

He has seen a therapist a week ago and will again in two weeks, but what are we supposed to do until then? He is completely non-functional. How do we help him get past his fear? We installed a security system, explained no one can/is going to get into our home. We tried letting him sleep with a walkie-talkie so that if he gets scared, all he needs to do is call us and we will come - that didn't work.

We don't want to allow him to continue to sleep with us as he is the type of kid that will milk that until he is 15. It gives him no incentive to try to get back to his own bed. He LIKES sleeping with us. But, we also don't want to traumatize him. We just need some advice. Anyone been through something similar?

HELP!!!! Pulling our hair out.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 11-17-2006 - 4:10pm

Hello! Nice to see you;) I am sorry to hear about this very traumatic experience for your ds. I know that as a parent you want only the best for him. That is great that you're getting him to a therapist. Our board deals with adults issues & anxiety. Although we'd like to help, it wouldn't be in the best interest of your ds, as his therapist should be helping you with these issues. Call the therapist & ask how you should handle the sleeping situation.


You might find one of the special needs boards more able to handle your problem. I hope your ds will soon be right as rain. Good luck to you both. (((hugs))) jan







 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 11-17-2006 - 9:44pm
I'm so sorry to hear about this unfortunate incident :(

Sheri Ann