OCD in Children- When Your Beloved Dog Can No Longer Be Your Friend
Julie Derrick
Childhood OCD : I help parents and schools figure out ways to support a child with OCD and anxiety??The Mind Monsters Books ???? The Parenting OCD in Teens and Tweens Handbook
OCD in Children- When Your Beloved Dog Can No Longer Be Your Friend
When contamination OCD- obsessive-compulsive disorder moves into your home, it destroys all traces of life as you know it.
It's really hard to put into words.
But I'll try.
First, imagine an invisible bully inside your child's head.
Next, picture it holding your child hostage and demanding things in return for their safety.
That's just a very brief synopsis of what living with contamination OCD can be like.
As a result:
- Areas and items in the home become 'out of bounds' due to the risk of people spreading the 'contamination.'
- Cars seats can also be included.
- Wiping down and taking showers become the norm for everyone living in the home.
- Visitors are 'banned' as OCD has to be kept secret at all costs...and because they could pose a risk of spreading 'contamination'.
- And your peaceful, calm home can quickly resemble a battle zone as family members walk on eggshells and try to out-shout OCD's voice when it decides to deliver an OCD meltdown.
Sadly, even the family dog can fall under OCD's control.
领英推è
One day he's the loyal friend and confidante to your child, the next he could be enemy number one who has to be avoided at all costs due to the threat that he could too spread 'contamination' on his paws.
OCD is a very powerful opponent and is very clever in its operation.
It knows that you will do anything to protect your child.
And it preys on this fact.
The only way to starve it of its power is by avoiding feeding it the 3 R's; namely:
- Reassurance
- Reaction
- Recruitment
The way to do this is through ERP therapy- (exposure and response prevention) therapy.
It's what we used to help out daughter recover from OCD.
And it's what I share in my 'Parenting a Teenager with OCD' workshop, which I created to help other parents who find themselves at a loss on how to support their child with OCD.
Here's my website link to learn more about the workshop.
Parenting & Family Communication Coach | DISC Personality Insights for Parents & Educators | Speaker & Author | Family Advocate
2 å¹´There are many casualties when OCD rears its head. I can imagine this must be very hard on a beloved furry family member to suddenly not be able to interact with loved one.