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From: faucher@futbal.DEC (Cathy Faucher 381-2207)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Elevator Phobia
Message-ID: <1348@decwrl.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 27-Mar-85 09:54:05 EST
Article-I.D.: decwrl.1348
Posted: Wed Mar 27 09:54:05 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 31-Mar-85 03:00:51 EST
Sender: johnsson@decwrl.UUCP
Organization: DEC Engineering Network
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I had the same type of phobia as a child and outgrown it
at the age of 13.  I believe if parents and friends don't
give the phobia so much attention, the child eventually
will overcome it (although in your mother-inlaw case, it
apparantly never went away).  

At times when my parents would use an elevator, I had the
choice of using the stairs and would meet them up there. I
was never forced to use the elevator.  Although in your case
I wouldn't let your child climb the stairs on her own, due to
her age, and the thought of sooo many "missing childeren" in
todays world.  Just think "Stairs" can be great exercise !!!

Along with the Elevator phobia, I also had phobia in any other
closed areas (such as closets or small closed rooms).  My sister
took great advantage of the closet phobia and would try to force
me in.  The phobia is soo strong, she always failed and walked 
away with massive scratches on her body.  Phobia is "for real" and
should never be considered as a Joke or Attention getter.  

Nightmares of closed areas was also very common for me.  Every 
night I always had the same nightmare, where I would be a in a 
closed room with no doors or windows and the walls would close 
in on me and crush me (sounds outrageous), although it would scare
me to death.

Due to my experience with phobia, I suggest you treat your child's 
phobia with care, to allow her to overcome it.  Do not force her
to be in places which scare her, and most of all be sure the mother-
inlaw does not encourage her to have these phobias (only can make it
worse).

Good Luck !!!