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What Causes A Child To Be Scared Of TV?
My 3 years old daughter is scared of the TV. We have not been able to watch any of the 2 TVs in the house for 2 weeks now. She will insist that all TVs must be off. If we put it on, she will run to her room and stay close to the window, crying on top of her voice, really distressed. Even her favourite cartoon channel is now a no go area. Please what is going on? Should I be worried.
Thu, 21 May 2020
Hello,
In general, children develop all sorts of strange fears. Most don't usually last very long. If she does not have any hearing issues in general, then I should say it is not a hearing/sound problem. I would try to slowly reintroduce her to the television, in tiny baby steps. You and your daughter should come up with ways to slowly, slowly get back to normal with the TV. First, just have her sit with the TV not on - try talking about it, describing it, talking about things you used to watch, talking about what you parents like to watch. Then, talk with her about putting pictures on the TV, without sound. Or vice versa- put music on the TV without a picture.
You could start with you putting on the picture and watching it without her - she can be brave in another room. Keep moving in very small steps over a long time, like 1 month to get her back to tolerating it. I wouldn't push, but I would stand firm on moving through little steps together. One other suggestion - ask her what she needs to feel calm - could it be a flashlight she shines on the TV, or a blanket to put over her head when it is on? Always leave that (hopefully beloved) object near the TV so that she only has it when she's making progress on getting closer to how she used to be. Don't spend a lot of time discussing her feelings or fears or rationalizations or cause, just keep moving forwards in small steps.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lisa Baker, Pediatrician
In general, children develop all sorts of strange fears. Most don't usually last very long. If she does not have any hearing issues in general, then I should say it is not a hearing/sound problem. I would try to slowly reintroduce her to the television, in tiny baby steps. You and your daughter should come up with ways to slowly, slowly get back to normal with the TV. First, just have her sit with the TV not on - try talking about it, describing it, talking about things you used to watch, talking about what you parents like to watch. Then, talk with her about putting pictures on the TV, without sound. Or vice versa- put music on the TV without a picture.
You could start with you putting on the picture and watching it without her - she can be brave in another room. Keep moving in very small steps over a long time, like 1 month to get her back to tolerating it. I wouldn't push, but I would stand firm on moving through little steps together. One other suggestion - ask her what she needs to feel calm - could it be a flashlight she shines on the TV, or a blanket to put over her head when it is on? Always leave that (hopefully beloved) object near the TV so that she only has it when she's making progress on getting closer to how she used to be. Don't spend a lot of time discussing her feelings or fears or rationalizations or cause, just keep moving forwards in small steps.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lisa Baker, Pediatrician
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