My 10 yr. old son has developed an obsession with the weather. He asks constantly what the weather is going to do the next day. Even when it's beautiful outside, he is monitoring the clouds and wind. He says it's ruining his summer. I had the same issue with the weather when I was his age. Could this be heredity? What do I do?
Give him the site for the weather... weather.com. He can see what it will be for the next 10 days so he won't ask everyday. Its just the weather... I don't see the problem. Let him look it up or watch the news.
Is this anxiety which is just coming apparent in this area? I am familiar with natural medicine (many forms) to treat anxiety. Gaba and 5HTP are two supplements that are often used, but it would be better to do it in conjuction with a neurotransmitter test with a doc.
Either way, I might look at anxiety as a root cause of this. Supporting him with knowledge abut the topic and deep breathing practice every day so that you can do that when it comes might help.
J
I agree, educate him. Usually with the unknown, we can be scared of things. But when we are knowledgeable about something, we are enlightened and are no longer afraid. I would do a unit study about weather and really spend a month on the weather. Learn all aspects about it. Buy or check out books, so he can learn everything about it. Have fun learning!
Get him a book about the weather. Knowledge is power. Sounds like an interest that should be supported. You never know... you just might have a future meteorologist on your hands.
Don't get involved in talking about the weather. Show him where to find the weather forecast in the paper, the computer or on TV and tell him if he wants to know to check on it. He has probably found that this will "push your buttons" and get him attention. V.
Maybe take him to the library and check out a bunch of books about the weather. Turn his fear of weather in to knowledge of weather. This may help so if he sees clouds he can then read about clouds and what they mean. If you contact your local news station maybe they have weather packets for kids that you can pick up.
Hi A.,
I am a hypnotherapist and helping people, even little people, work out fears is a major part of what we do. Fears are typically learned behaviors. Your son may be experiencing anxiety that is focusing on the weather. Sometimes, education can create more anxiety because it gives more to be fearful of. Don't beat yourself up with guilt. Every issue in life is an opportunity for personal growth. I've worked with children as young a 4yrs old. Please visit my website at www.reachagoal.com or call the office at ###-###-####. I offer a free in office consultation. Hypnotherapy is a fast and safe way to overcome issues. The overall benefit will give him better ways to manage and deal with all stress and anxiety in his life. Hope to hear from you.
Our 9 year old had the same issue but we've helped her get past it. We introduced her to the Weather Channel website, explained the animated maps, explained the different weather patterns and showed her how to use the animated map section.
When there are alot of weather issues, we go to the site together, see where the event is occurring, the seriousness of it and how it REALLY effects our area. She now knows that offen the weather is over hyped and laughs. WHen there is severe weather and a reason to be cautious, she is the first one to tell us when the danger is passed or if she is super concerned. Then we all analyze what the real threat is or isn't and deal with it accordingly.
Hope that helps... L.
hmm a possible educational trip to see the weather man may be in order if you can arrange it.
other than that I think all you can do is keep reassuring him that it's going to be ok. My 4 yr old freaks out every time the weather alert says " damaging winds" even if it's not for our area. and we just have to keep telling him we will be ok.
My son (oldest) has a fear of storms. He's first grade teacher found out his fear is great and real to him (this was a few yrs ago). He still hates storms and always worries about a tornado. By his teachers instruction she told us to get books about storms and to get his a bag (just his) with things in it in case there was a tornado. Ex: in the bag a flash light, a blanket, small pillow, snack and radio (weather type), small clock. She also suggested to make a small sign to put in the bathroom (your safe place) and have on it "storm safe place" let him draw the picture he wants on it.
We all go into the bathroom (sometimes)grab a few books and read (spend time together) this allows him to have control over the situations rather then concentrate on the fear of the storm he feels.
We did all this, my son is getting better about storms now he's not so panic inducing at our house now. Every birthday we get him something to do with the weather as a gift last year we got him a rain meter (he loved it).
When it storms we let him look on the computer at the weather channel and a few local channels to compare weather reports. He's 8 now it's only been a few yrs and he's getting much better about storms. These ideas helped us maybe you can use a few for your son.
As far as heredity not sure, I think kids are curious and storms can be scary. As far as the divorce if you think it's because of that then what about kids that don't have divorced parents? I am betting it's not the divorce he's just now if he didn't before noticing storms and what they can do (if he's seen pictures). They say it's best to learn how to deal(control) a fear rather then it control you.
Always stay calm and talk to him, his fear is real (just like when an adult has a fear of flying) it's real to them or a fear of heights. My best wishes to you from one mom to another that has a future weatherman or storm chaser as long as my son isn't afraid so much when he grows up.
