Scared of the Dark

The other night as Melanie and I were getting the kids ready for bed, Whitney started whimpering.  It wasn't like she was throwing a tantrum or screaming.  This was different.  She just got teary-eyed and started sobbing quietly as we were tucking her in for the night.  Melanie and I were worried and tried to ask her what was wrong.  This is tricky because Whitney has a habit of pointing to her ears even when they're not infected.  Or she'll often respond with the sign for dog, just because.

Luckily, Melanie was persistent in her questioning.  Finally, Whitney pointed to the window in her room and I think we understood.  There have been several nights recently when the wind has whistled around our house and rattled the windows.  We think this has scared Whitney and made her a little bit afraid of the dark.

Melanie kindly explained that no one is going to hurt her and that nothing is outside of her window.  Melanie even pulled the curtains aside so Whit could see.  She seemed a little more confident after that and settled in for the night.  We were grateful, that although communication with Whitney is sometimes difficult, we are able to understand our daughter's fears and help her to be comforted when she needs it.