I have found when Annie was a bit fearful that talking to her in a calm, non-gooey, normal voice worked much better to calm her. If it continued to escalate, I'd calmly and in no huge hurry take her away to where she felt safer. This seem to do 2 things. First it showed her that I was listening to her, respected her limits and took steps to protect her. Second once we stepped back a bit she could view the 'scary' item, be it an actual thing or situation, and process it better.
If they trust completely that you value their limits and will protect them at all costs then there is no limit to where your bond can go.
Annie putting up with her momma's strange idea's of 'fun' |