What are technigues, or strategies to reduce extreme anxiety in a four year old?

by Marcia
(Milwaukee)

Question:

My newly turned 4 year son has extreme anxiety and physical distress in a movie theater, or large theater (eg. arena watching "Disney on Ice").


He is unable to remain in the theater, begins to shake, and sweat and is tearful. His main complaint is that it is too loud, and he does not like the darkness.

We have only taken him to several theater movies, and we are careful about limiting home television viewing, and do not allow any type of violent shows.

It seems clear that he is having a true panic attack in these settings. What can we do to assist him, to help desensitize, or find ways to help him problem solve?

He attends pre-school 3 full days a week, he does not show signs of abnormal anxiety at pre-school. He is otherwise social and verbal. He loves out door concerts, plays, fairs and other crowded, loud events?

Thank you for your attention, and consideration.



Answer:

Hi Marcia

If you are not seeing any other signs of fear in your child, I am not sure it is something you need to work on aggressively. It is not abnormal for children to his age to be fearful of the dark or loud noises.

If he isn't generally an anxious child, and you see no other areas he is struggling in, than perhaps he might just out grow this?

It may be something small that scared him once while in the movie theater that he is generalizing to all movie theaters.

If you feel you want to work on it, I would recommend you go to a few therapy sessions with a professional who can due some exposure therapy with your child.

Essentially that consists of exposing your child to imagining the things about the movie theater that scare him in a safe setting until they are not fearful any longer.

Sincerely

Kristen McClure



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