Ordinary bedtime routines comfort a child; an OCD ritual runs on fear, and it changes best one step at a time.
A two-minute read, three things to try, for ages 5 to 11.
Where to start
See the GP first, then write down the whole bedtime sequence before you change anything.
If that sounds like your evenings, see the GP first and ask for an assessment for OCD.
If you can’t safely manage her distress, pause and talk to the GP.
There are free workshops for parents of children with OCD, including parents whose child has no diagnosis yet. OCD-UK, 01332 588112. Email support@ocduk.org. Email Mon-Fri, with a reply within a working day; the phone line opens only on some days, 10am-2pm. Outside those hours the line is closed, and for now it opens only some days. Samaritans answer at any hour on 116 123, and Shout answer if you text the word SHOUT to 85258.
The rest of the tip, with more to try and why it works, is in the library.
It goes with
When the Worry Makes the Rules.A chapter for parents whose child’s worry has started to come with rituals, and whose family has started keeping them.
The first chapter you open here is free to read in full.
Free on this subject
OCD.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Sleep.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.