Child Gets Things Stuck in Her Head That Are Not Real

My girls used to do it a lot, but over the last 1 or 2 have not be so <lack of a better term> worried about it. I delt with it like this.

One of them would be sick, and throw up. When she was over being sick, she would still run up to me and say mommy I have to frow up. <sorry, she used to say it so cute> I tell her to run to the bathroom. I would ignore her and not make a big deal out of her being sick. Even if I was worried, I didn't let it show to her, and basically come across as it not being a big deal. It could be a way for her to get your attention. My girls still sometime obsesse about something that happened to them. They usually have to tell someone about it, and I ask them if they are sick right now?, ans they say no, and I say don't worry about it then. Your not sick now, so please stop talking about it. I also would tell them that they are fine. I guess I sound kinda mean, but if you give her a ton of attention over it, she's going to keep doing it. If she genuanly <sp> sick, then attention is called for, but if she fine. Tell her she is, and to stop worring about it. I would also tell the girls that if they were really that sick, we would have to go to the doctor and they might have to get a shot since they were sooooooo sick. Then ask if they want to go to the doctor. There answer would be no. If by chance one said yes, then I knew they REALLY didn't feel good. Gosh...I sound really mean. This is what worked for me.

This is probably not what's going on, but just a "bug in your ear" to watch for.

I have a 6-yo DD who struggles a bit with OCD. We have found a *great* therapist in Plano who specializes in childhood OCD and it's now under control. If she continues to have issues like this, I might have her evaluated just to make sure something like OCD isn't involved. I know it's a scary thing to consider, but it's very easy to control and keep in check when they're very young.

If you have (or anyone else has) any questions, feel free to e-mail me directly...

B.

After reading the other posts, I'm not certain the advice is completely accurate. I do agree in what they're saying IF it's true that it's kind of an act. However, she could have something really wrong like Celiac or stomach acid levels off or something like that. These commonly make a child feel sick but never actually get sick. Have you taken her to a gastro specialist just to check and see? I agree that you should talk to her about telling fibs and whatnot, but if it's real then there is so much that can happen with ignoring it. Find out just in case IMHO. Good luck with it.

Nikki, if you are mean, then so am I!! I would say that she needs to be taught about "crying wolf" and that the only way you will know if she really is sick, is when she tells you. I would be very matter of fact about it, and see how it goes. I would make a point to say things like "Oh I am sorry you are sick, I will be sure to only give you crackers and water for dinner, mac and cheese might upset your stomach". Or, if she is like my daughters and her leg hurts from a scrape last week, I just say, "Well, you can miss outside time today, so as not to hurt your leg any further" I have been known to make them do it too, even if they say never mind, so that they learn not to bring it up unless it is serious. And, although I dont say they will be getting a shot for sure, I will tell them we may have to go to the dr. and then for sure they ask about shots, and I tell them honestly that I do not know, it depends on what is wrong with them. She likes the attention for sure, so I would try to help her learn other ways of getting attention (even if you have to ham it up a little) and lessen the attention for the illness. Oh, I have also taught them to just tell me when they want me to hold them, for them to sit on my lap, or even to lay in my bed for a while, with out having to lie to me about being sick. I want to be there for them and give them love and care just because they are my girls, not just because they are sick! Good luck though, dealing with the drama of girls can prove to be challenging!! ~A.~

Hello J.,

could she be lactose intolerant? does she get allergies? drainage going down to the stomach can make you feel puky. & w/ plugged ears you can get nauseus easily. does she has good balance? history of ear infections? sometimes stomach bugs disconfort can linger for weeks. do strong smells bother her a lot? is it after eating specific foods?

if you think she worries too much @ sprouts they have 'herbs for kids' they have valerian calm or chamomile calm.