Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SKL
I would try to re-introduce driving very gradually. Begin at a time of day when she's most likely to be able to calm herself. Start with a very short trip, even just up and down the driveway, and then give a gap for her to relax and have fun before you try again, with a slightly longer trip. Tell her exactly how long each trip will be. Maybe tell her she will get something nice at the end of the trip. Let her hold her "lovey" during the trip. When she says she is scared that an accident will happen, tell her that hardly ever happens, and remind her of many pleasant trips (pre-accident) when nothing bad happened. Be as matter-of-fact as possible.
If she has toy cars, maybe have her play with the cars and get some of the fears out of her system that way. Talk about/demonstrate all the things drivers can do to keep safe, and tell her you and dad will be doing all those things.
Another thing - is it possible that you also feel nervous about being in a car / driving now? If so, she is surely picking up on it, so consider what you may need to do to get past this.
I'd give her at least a few days or a week before turning to professional help. Just my opinion.
Good luck!
|
I think all of these ideas are good but I'd disagree about professional help. Once a fear sets in it is sooo much harder to deal with once it becomes an auto pilot response. IMHO even if she does seem to settle down within a few days I'd take her in so it can get addressed now and doesn't come up at some future time after it's all tucked away in her subconscious.
just my 2 cents.