Fears and Dreams

For the last several weeks, Jonathan has been experiencing fear. He has trouble going to bed and wakes up crying 1-2 times a week. He is clingy when we drop him off at daycare. Initially we didn't know what was the matter. As he becomes more verbal, he is able to tell us more. He is afraid of cookie monster, roosters and pigs. He is afraid of owls and Mr. Percival, the narrow gauge engine controller who is angry with Thomas.

One time he said he didn't want to go to bad because he didn't want bad dreams. My husband didn't think he knew what dream meant. I believed him. He had seen Thomas DVDs in which the trains fell asleep and had dreams.

Three nights ago, he woke up crying because a pig was in his bed saying "oink oink". Last night he held my hand tight and pleaded with me:"I am scared. I need you Mama." He woke up at 2 AM this morning crying because "pig eat my (Easter) egg".

On a positive note, he told me tonight his favorite teacher is teacher Pam. "Teacher Pam come nap time. She come in the dark. She pat me in my sleep." Maybe I will try patting him for a minute when he lays down to sleep. Maybe it works better than me "sit one minute."

As we speak of one minute, two days ago, I tested Jonathan's concept of time. I asked him if he wanted to watch Thomas for 10 minutes, 5 minutes or 1 minute. When presented with 2 options, he always chose the longer time. Funny how he knows. Whenever I tell him to go to bed or take a bath or to eat, he tells me, Mama watch Thomas five minute, play 5 minute, do puzzle 5 minute etc. 

Here is a picture of April snow from our winderon 4/16/11. Just for the record.