[eternaloptimist]

Hi, I'm posting this here because I'm impressed with the range of knowledge people have on this forum. Our soon to be 3 year old FD is obsessed with the moon. No matter what the conversation is, eventually she'll bring it around to the moon. Anytime she sees the moon depicted in videos or books she will focus solely on it. She becomes very fearful when she sees the moon in the night sky. Give her crayons and a blank piece of paper,and guess what she draws ? My belief is that the moon was out when the children were removed from their home,but I don't know how to explore that. Or,perhaps it is a screen memory. So, I'm asking you all if you could draw on your knowledge,and give me your opinions. Thanks, Elizabeth.

[aspenhall]

It could be something related to her prior trauma, such as being deliberately told the moon is up there watching her, so she better not get out of bed or it'll come get her....

My dd had tactics like that used on her to keep her in her room while the adults went out and partied...

But for her it was "monsters".....the "people kind"....

You may discuss at great length the moon and ask her questions about it....see what she has to say, if she gives any clue to the obsession.....perhaps it was told to her that the bmom would look up at the moon and be able to reflect and see down on her wherever she is...

[lucyjoy]

You might investigate EMDR for this. It can help with even nonverbal memories that induce fear. My friends little girl was afraid of some fixture on their house. One session of EMDR and she's no longer fearful of it. It doesn't work for all things but may be well worth exploring for your daughter.

[Lorraine123]

My guess would be that it is somehow trauma related. Does she vocalize anything about it?

[eternaloptimist]

Lorraine, Thanks for your response. No,she does not really verbalize it in any detail. But,her dominant emotion when she sees the moon is fear. As I wrote, I think it might be that the moon was visible when she and her siblings were removed from their home. She was pre verbal at that time. Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. Elizabeth

[eternaloptimist]

Hi Lucy and Aspenhall, Lucy, what is EMDR ? I would be open to trying it. Our FD has had this thing with the moon since she moved in with us ; she seems "stuck" somehow. And Aspenhall, that's what I would have guessed,that either a sibling or bio parent threatened her about the moon..... And yet, she has had this preoccupation for so long,and it seems to be something more than that. Don't know, I just have a gut feeling that it's more. Thanks again, Elizabeth

[lucyjoy]

EMDR actually looks really weird like it's not doing anything but it works. Try EMDR Institute, Inc. under general information and it explains what it is. It's used a lot for treating PTSD and Trauma.

[Barksum]

You might also look into some non-fic picture books about what the moon is. This may help her to understand that the moon doesn't have abilities to do anything to people and isn't a scary thing in and of itself. There is one book that we have that is called "The Sea of Tranquility" by Mark Haddon and Christian Birmingham. Just a short picture book about a little boy who looks at the moon, and the book explains a bit about what the moon is and some of its features.

Sometimes, and it depends on the person of course, but sometimes getting information helps to allay some ofthe fears that come with childhood fears. Also sometimes it helps to be able to openly discuss things makes the child more comfortable talking about what they fear and even other thoughts/fears they might have. Just a thought.

[Kelly Rae]

I second the EMDR it works wonders or at least it has with my daughter.

[qs mom]

My son has also been treated with EMDR. It's worked fairly well for him. I also use some techniques his therapist taught me to calm him with pretty good results.

[eternaloptimist]

Hi, Lucy, I first heard about that a few years back,and had forgotten about it -- I'm definately going to try it. I want to thank everyone who took the time to give me advice and suggestions. As always, your suggestions are on point and very reassuring. Too bad you couldn't put your collective knowledge in a book -- I'm sure that it would be a bestseller. Especially given the route most of you have travelled to gain that knowledge. Thank you again. Best, Elizabeth.