Back around the end of summer my youngest dd had a nightmare about a monster getting her while on the potty. She asked me to watch her when she used the bathroom. She had been potty trained for well over a year at this point so she usually was fine on her own. She is still flipping out when I try to get her to go without me standing right there. I have ever since to make her feel better because I know it had to seem very real to her. I thought it would pass but it hasn't and nothing I've tried has worked.

By Amecmom on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 02:32 pm:

I'm sorry, Rayelle. My son is always looking for tarantulas when he goes to the potty. Yes it is a very real fear and you are smart not to treat it lightly.
Have you tried telling her to look in the potty first and if there's nothing there (no monster) then she's safe?
I know the "there's no such thing as monsters" line is not going to work, but how about a "rule" that monsters follow? Like - if there not there in the potty or the bathroom when you walk in, they can't coem in - or a rule like you sprayed the house for monsters and there are none in the house, so she doesn't have to worry. She can even help you "spray" a special spray. You could mix water and a little bit of scented oil in a mister bottle that she can spray when she's going to walk in to the bathroom.
Do you have any idea what triggered the nightmare?
Lots of hugs.
Ame

By Colette on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 03:27 pm:

What if you eased her out of having you in there? Go in with her, and once she's ready tell her you need to get something and leave, gradually extend the time until she isn't afraid anymore.

By Vicki on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 06:01 pm:

I think by now it is likely more of a habit than anything. I agree with mixing up some monster spray and treating your house.

By Rayelle on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 08:25 pm:

I tried monster spray at first maybe now I should try again. The big issue is the basement door is near the bathroom door and in her dream a monster came up from the basement snatched her off the potty and ate her. Locking the door doesn't help. It is very disruptive and I don't want her afraid to use the bathroom in her own home.

By Kaye on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 09:06 pm:

What about taking some crepe paper and papering the door, just one big thing across and write on it, no monsters allowed.

or better yet, hang bells on the door knob and explain how monsters are afraid of the noise, so if they try to open the door they get scared and leave.

By Rayelle on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 10:15 am:

Oh that is a different thing to try. I will try the things on the door.

By Rayelle on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 01:08 pm:

So far so good with the monster signs. They're on every door!