I am going to lose it

[Mom_of_Two]

I have a degree in Psychology, and I will say that therapy for a traumatized toddler may be very beneficial! Just because he is young doesn't mean he hasn't suffered and won't have lasting effects from abuse. Mom should seek out someone that specializes in infant and toddler trauma. Here's a link to one of the many scientific studies that points out the significant contributions of trauma intervention for very young ones.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7809298

ETA: In many cases, the earlier the intervention, the better.

 

[stealth2]

I have a degree in Psychology, and I will say that therapy for a traumatized toddler may be very beneficial!

Did anyone say it wouldn't be?

 

[Mom_of_Two]

Did anyone say it wouldn't be?

No, there has been some great advice on this thread about getting the little one help. Since I have some experience in this field, I just wanted to share my thoughts and agreement with others.

 

[Artemis_ofthe_Hunt]

I'm not sure why its horrible advice...the threats dad made traumatized him. At least I would assure him the threats were not true. It won't undo the damage, he needs counseling...but I think it would help.

The toddler is 2.5. Repeating the threats one by one WITHOUT the help and support of someone who is EXPERIENCED with Post Traumatic Stress (which is what I honestly believe is going on here, albeit probably referred to as "reverting") is the WORST possible thing Dawn could do.

Conversation your way:
"Honey, daddy said x and y and Z, and they're just simply not true"
Toddler: "Mommy! NOOOOOOOOO!"

Yeah, that'd accomplish a whole lot...

Going further into detail would likely make the child MORE terrified and possibly re-live that.

And there would be some more reverting... yeah, good idea!

Getting help from someone who is experienced in this type of situation would be the best possible thing Dawn could do. She's not an idiot. She's been backed into this corner for a while. Dad/new wifey and another idiotic relative TRAUMATIZED this child. They beat up Mommy, they recorded this video, not to mention the other stuff that has likely happened that we haven't been privy to. Yeah. Ok Micha... let's just shoot from the hip on this one... Ah... No.....

 

[sometwo]

Glad to hear your motions were granted.

I hope things get better for you and the court keeps him on a tight lease when and if he gets to see child again.

 

[DawnPlusTwo]

I spoke with a woman I used to work for over the weekend. She fosters children who are coming out of tough situations. I asked her if she knew of any therapists for the kiddo. She gave me a few places to check into that she has previously taken her foster children to. One is in Stillwater and ther other in Enid.. Both are a good (but reasonable) distance away. I'll be calling tomorrow to try to get kiddo in.

I got kiddo to finally sleep in his own room again for the last two nights. I had a picture up of kiddo and dad. Son would freak anytime I took him in there. So I went ahead and took it down and put it away for now. That seemed to solve the short term problem.

The other adults and I are working on a plan to help with kiddos separation problems. I may wait and see what a therapist says before I delve too deeply into it.

Dad was texting and sending FB msgs several times a day, I won't go into great detail but they have nothing to do with our son. I'm just ignoring everything now, and blocked him on FB last night.

Thanks everyone for your advice, once again.

 

[divona2000]

...blocked him on FB last night...

I suggest Blocking his Friends/relatives also (if you have not already done so).

 

[muchneededhelp]

Dawn... all I can say is, I'm so sorry... that is horrific. Pulling a stunt like that because he doesn't want to admit he doesn't want visitation. I hope this guy never procreates again.