3.5 Ds FREAKS out if people "waste" water - HELP n

Anon because I've talked to others about this.

So on Friday, I had to pick up ds (3.5 yo) at school because he was FREAKING out about wasting water. He wouldn't let the children wash their hands. Apparently, it had also happened on Thursday while the Morah was washing off some dishes.

So, since then, he freaks out when we keep the water on too long, especially in the upstairs bathroom.

Background - our sink upstairs was clogged and we had to take out the plug to pour drano down - it freaked him out but that was after he went to school on Thursday.

He went to Florida for a couple of days last week without us. We don't think anything happened there. But his grandfather said when they were filling up the tub he wanted them to not put too much water in. But here, he loves a lot of water in the tub.

Also, months ago, he would leave the water on and I would tell him to turn the water off, that we don't want to waste water, but I was never angry or loud or whatever...and it happened a long time ago.

--->So now, he doesn't want to go to school. And, freaks out whenever we use a bit too much water while washing out hands or doing something else.

ADVICE PLEASE! We don't know what to do!

Posted: Sun, Mar 14 2010, 11:21 am Post subject:

First try speaking to him about this. Make up some books to read him about sharing and plentifull water. Read him books about water. Puppet shows are great tools (act out a little boy watching others use water and say, "hey! there's more! Water keeps coming!" Encourage hime to play w/ water.

If none of these strategies work, take him to a licenced child psycologist. The therapist can help him work through his fears. Worst case synario, he may be dealing w/ OCD. OCD can be medicated.

Is there a history of mental ilness in the family?

Posted: Sun, Mar 14 2010, 11:39 am Post subject:

Platinum Member Joined: Jun 22 2008 Posts: 6418

the first thing I would wonder is where he heard the idea that water can use up. are they in the middle of a recycling unit in class or did he watch a video on that topic? I know there is a commercial on Hulu about how the water will use up and shows the kids drinking dirty water.

get kids books about the water cycle and teach him about rain coming down and refilling the lakes and oceans.