Q&A
If you have questions about this change, you're in the right place. Our editors, experts, and community of change optimists have answers!
- Browse:
- Recent
- Popular
- Unanswered
Custody of a child that has night terrors, what do we do to stop this?
I have custody of my nephew. I have full custody until he is 18. His parents are in prison due to drugs. I got him at 9 months old out of foster care. He was in foster care since birth. He wakes up every night with night terrors. Screaming so loud it make my heart pound in fear. We are asleep and all at once we wake to screaming, loud hair raising screams. We go in there and asure him he is fine, turn on the lights, give him a drink, change his diaper. Every thing we have tried does not help. What do we do? We have tried music, television, night lights, him sleeping with us, him in our room, us with him. Nothing changes the terrors. We evem let him cry it out and he will cry for an hour and not stop. Well not an hour, but it feels like it. My husband bought a lazyboy chair so we could take turns in his room. I am desperate. He is not retarded nor does he have and handicapps. Help please any one..
You might want to check out Dr. Harvey Karp.
He has been profiled on TV many times showing how to calm crying babies. Here is his web site:
He uses a method called the Five S's, which are explained here:
Link
Hi Diana,
First I would like to say hat's off to you and your husband for taking your nephew in as you did. I agree with Oldgold, the world does need more people like you. I understand the world of night terrors to a point, I can emphathize with you. My nephew who will be six this fall also suffers from night terrors, it is hard to watch and like you say there seems to be nothing to do about them. Have you ever thought about taking him or you yourself talking to a psychologist regarding the night terrors, I realize that he is very young and for him to see the psychologist may not be condusive but maybe they could give you some insight, or even a regular doctor. Have you considered using an aroma therapy in his room? Lavendar is good at calming and relaxing a person and I know that they make lotion for babies that have lavendar in it, even to difuse it into his room, may help him relax and be able to sleep better. Or perhaps some soft music playing while he sleeps. My nephew who is older, is on medication for them, that doesn't help him, so I think that isn't a good option, especially for a child so young as yours. I do wish you and your husband all the best of luck on getting control of the night terrors and God bless you for taking on that responsibility.
The world needs more people like you and your husband. I'll light a candle for the three of you, every week. It is so important, what you are doing. Thank you.
Diana
I found a link that might offer some things to try.
Link
It sounds like she's tried a number of things, like you and has hit upon a combination of things to try that may actually help.
My heart goes out to you for what you are doing in caring for your nephew. You (and your husband) are angels on earth.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
