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Post by vik3000 on Nov 12, 2007 13:09:31 GMT
Any advice on how to help a child with a extreme fear of dogs and apparently other animals (wouldn't go near birds in a cage too). Mum appears to have a fear of dogs too.
There is a dog in the minding household.
I have advised a meeting with parents, gradual introductions to the dog and its routine and caring for it.
Thanks
xx
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Post by sarahnev707 on Nov 12, 2007 14:10:28 GMT
That's what I would suggest too....though I'm not totally sure if it will be the best environment for the child tbh While it is a good idea to help a child conquer a fear of animals etc, there's a lot of pretty strong evidence to suggest that the child might need to see a psych at an older age and get professional help for his/her fear. Doing something now to force the issue ie introducing the child into a household with a dog, could possibly make things worse especially if the mother cannot support the child due to her own fears I would strongly suggest they get professional advice before doing anything that might damage the child even more Sarahx
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Post by angeldelight on Nov 12, 2007 14:57:30 GMT
I am scared of dogs and some animals
We have a dog but she is sloppy and I am used to her
I had a little boy of 6 start earlier this year who was scared of dogs and animals too I always put myself in their shoes because I know how they feel
I never made a big thing of it to be honest - I just told the little boy it was fine and I would put the dog behind the gate
Our dog lies there with her nose through the bars looking very sad ha The little boy used to look at her and walk around the edge of the wall even though the dog was locked up and about 3ft away
One day he walked by without edging past her Then one day he even stroked the dog he was so pleased with him self
Then around August he went as far to have his photo taken in the garden - he was lying down beside the dog His moms face was a picture
I would never make a big deal of it he will come round if you are gentle and you do not push him It did take about 6 mths though
Some days he is still a little unsure - but I leave him to do what he wants to do - if he feels that he wants the dog away then I take the dog indoors
I always feel like a dog is going to jump up me and bite me I had a horrible experience as a teenager - so god knows how it must feel if you are tiny and a dog jumps up you - very scary I would imagine
Good idea Vicky to tell them about the routine of the dog that is what I did The little boy would help with the food then we would move away when the dog came out and he would just watch out the window
Children can over come their fear just do not make a big deal of it otherwise it becomes a problem too
Angel xx
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Post by sarsar3nch on Nov 12, 2007 17:27:20 GMT
I have done exactly the same as Angel
We have a dog and I have had a couple of children come to me with a fear of dogs.
The dogs stays behind gate and gradually children become used to her, I don't make a big thing of it and both of the children became oblivious to the dog within a couple of months (I only had each of them one day a week)
Sarah
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Post by vik3000 on Nov 12, 2007 18:15:34 GMT
Thanks for the advice - it is actually a question from a supported minder who has asked me. I agree with everything that has been said - from what the sm has told me the degree of fear is bordering on the extreme even a phobia and I was going to suggest that perhaps the child needs some form of professional help (but I didn't thinking that perhaps I was overstepping the advice boundary).
I have also advised the SM that she needs to consider her own animal - that she cannot keep the pet locked away out of sight and the effect this may have on other minded children and her own family too.
Thanks guys (told you I'd be here asking for your advice and opinions too!!!)
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