Suddenly afraid of BUGS!! Help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2003
Suddenly afraid of BUGS!! Help!
1
Fri, 04-16-2004 - 8:12am
Good morning - I don't post here often, but I wonder if you ladies can help. My 4 year old son is suddenly afraid of bugs. This, of course, is a problem since spring has sprung. I can't help but think it's going to be a long, boring summer for him in the house if he doesn't get over it. If he sees a bug, he loses his mind. We live in an area with tons of trees, so we have tons of bugs in our neighborhood. And we get em in the house as well too.

We have tried explaining rationally about the bugs. His "giant" size compared to their little teeny size. They don't want to be near him either, and in most cases won't even come by him. We've tried "magic bug juice" which is water in a squirt bottle and he can squirt the bugs. We've armed him with his own fly swatter. These things have worked on occasion, but usually temporarily. Yesterday, for example he was doing ok after lots of coaxing and was finally outside having fun when a bug flew into his eye (darn that bug!!!!! Doesn't he know he wasn't helping matters!!!!! Geez!)

I know it's one of those things that'll pass (let's hope) but any other ideas on how I can get this kid to enjoy the outdoors and not waste away an entire summer hiding in the house? I'd appreciate an suggestions.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2004
Fri, 04-16-2004 - 9:29am

You know, my son went through the same thing at about age 3. I am not sure why, cause he never had a problem with them and then all the sudden he did.
And then one day he just stopped being scared. I am not sure what we said or did to help him get over it, but I don't think it owrked, he just got over it himself.
I really don't have advice other then it might be a stage?? I sure hope he gets over it soon so you are not stuck inside all day.
I do have a question though, did something happen to him with one? like one fell on him or was in his room? Or maybe he saw a movie with one in it that scared him?
I saw this article and its not exactly what you are going through, but maybe it can help you a bit.....


Bugs
Telling your child, "Goodnight! Don't let the bedbugs bite!" may be better advice than you think, since children are prone to dreaming about insects in their bed or a swarm of bugs coming into their room at night.

What you need to know:
This is a dream that may recur a few times with varying degrees of agitation. It is a common dream for youngsters to experience when they are facing unpredictable situations, such as a separation in the marriage, moving into a new home or a new sibling being brought home. There is no single catalyst or interpretation for the attacking insects; rather, the frightening dream seems to reflect a sense of bewilderment and being overwhelmed. Arguments, unexpected changes and feeling as if she has no control over events may trigger repetitions of the dream. If your child has this dream, do what you can to give her some sense of control, or at least a voice in her own fate. Point out stability where it still exists, and help things to be as smooth and predictable as possible. And do what you can to manage your own anxiety, for she may pick it up and feel unsettled even though you aren't saying much about the situation.


http://pbskids.org/dragontales/caregivers/view_do/v&d140.html


Sorry if this does not help, but the only things I could find.....



Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting