What if your child has watched a scary movie and is scared: Squid game. It was a huge hit on Netflix. A series that is about a group of poor people who play games, literally on life and death. Children’s games such as Annemaria Koekoek. It’s called Greenlight, Redlight, but the idea is the same. Recently I read in the newspaper that there are many children (including those under 16) who have not only seen this series but also imitate the games on the square.
Incredible. Because anyone who has seen the series knows that the violence is disproportionate. In cold blood people are not only shot, they are cheated, lied to, and manipulated. Suppose your child has watched something from a movie, series, or game that you do not want. On a birthday or playdate with another child, it got the chance and wanted to watch it anyway. Later that night it has nightmares, maybe even bedwetting, and feels very scared and miserable.
So what do you do as parents?
Children and fear
Did you know that children of all ages suffer from anxiety? And that this ‘belongs’?
These fears are common among children up to 6 years of age:
- Judgment of others, particularly children between the ages of 5 and 6 are sensitive to how others see them, and children under 6 they even do not know how old am i today, what’s good for them, and what’s bad for them.
- loud noises
- Animals such as spiders, dogs, mice
- Someone who touches your body like the dentist (counting teeth) the hairdresser (cutting hair) the school doctor (putting glasses on your nose)
- puncture fear
- Fear of going to the toilet (poo fear)
- Social Anxiety: Telling something in front of the group. Or play at someone else’s house.
- Anxieties after a movie are also common. The memory(s) of a certain part in the film makes them dream about it or think about it for a long time. This can be so bad that children no longer dare to sleep in their own bed. Or that they no longer dare to go down at night to go to the toilet.
What you can do:
- Discuss it with your child. Ask what was scary about the movie. If it becomes a whole story, ask your child to write or draw it.
- By drawing and writing you literally slow down the mind. This way your child can look at it from a distance. Is your child a writer?
- Then have him describe everything he remembers about the movie. If necessary, you can color certain parts of the text extra.
- Discuss what your child has written.
- If you have a child who can draw well, have him draw his fear literally. This is already breathing some air. You can also have him draw what you want to do if he has a nightmare about it.
- Think of a bedtime ritual that will calm you down. A small light by the bed. Or leave the light in the landing on and open the door a bit.
- Listen to calm music before going to sleep and read some more.
- Explain that a movie is not real, but that you understand that it can come across as very scary. Especially with all the special effects and music. And that it helps to look at nice things and read nice things.
- Do not suggest that your child comes to sleep in your bed, according to our school doctor. This is because then habituation can occur and you will soon have a lot of trouble getting everyone to sleep in their own bed again. Also with a view to your own night’s sleep..
- Encourage your child to enjoy outdoor sports. So your body and mind are busy with other things. And this can also have an influence on reducing anxiety and sleeping through
- Worth a try.. watch the film during the day. Together. And the sound is quiet or off. Say out loud what is happening. And then try to explain it.
- Not every parenting expert agrees. One says do it, the other doesn’t.
Dutchtuber
I had never heard of it, but while writing the article I read about Dutchtuber. This one tells scary texting stories in the dark. Kind of like ghost stories, only much creepier. Some children think this is fantastic and show this to friends who may find it exciting.
After watching several videos, it is mainly a combination of things that make it exciting. First of all, the Dutchtuber usually wears a cap and reads text messages in a black shirt, which also scrolls past on the left of the screen. In addition, he sits in the dark, a bright lamp illuminates his face, but nothing more. His facial expression is excellent for scaring you. He makes every expression convincing. There are also pictures to be seen, such as a dark cornfield or a dark cellar where the main character walks.
Dutchtuber is so popular that he earns a good salary from sharing these videos. Discuss with your child why the videos may make you anxious. Every child is different, but if your child is a thinker or a dreamer, the images can have a lot of effects.
Also, discuss the age warnings shown in movies and series. These are there for a reason. And that you better fill your mind with fun and relaxing things, because this also affects your body and head.