4 year old said a ghost wants to "kill mama, kill papa, kill baby, kill me"

We're a very calm household. For the last month our 4 year old has been complaining about a 'mean ghost,' and a 'happy ghost' that comes into his room. He told us last month he had to catch the ghost and chop it up with a knife. I was a bit concerned about that rather violent thought, but we just wrote it off as an overactive imagination.

Last night our son was really scared before bed. He was just talking and talking about this 'angry ghost' that will "kill mama, kill papa, kill baby, kill me."

I have no idea how to handle this. I'm worried that there is something wrong with him. Is this normal 4 year old behaviour? What do I do? Also, our 4 year old is very attached to his 1 year old brother.

Hi Alicia. Welcome to Psych Central. I am so sorry your son has so much anxiety and fear. He sounds really terrified. I would strongly suggest professional help like a therapist that deals with childhood trauma.

If this is not possible, you can write a letter to volunteer therapists who answer inquiries as their time allows. Here is link https://psychcentral.com/ask-the-therapist/

These articles may be of interest.
https://psychcentral.com/lib/tips-fo...ental-illness/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/sensiti...icant-anxiety/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/parenti...port-children/

https://psychcentral.com/blog/archiv...anxious-cycle/

The other thing to keep in mind is self care when we must cope with a relative or child with a challenge. This can mean for you getting therapy, exercising, doing creative things, and trying to create space where you can be you.

Hi Alicia!
I understand how very scary and worrisome this must be for you! Obviously you love your child a great deal! PLEASE don't take what I am about to say as minimizing your concern AT ALL! However, it helped both of my kids. One of whom suffered from graphic night terrors.
First off, it's important to involve your 4 year old in this process. We know ghosts aren't real but kids think they are. The whole, "Go back to sleep, honey, ghosts aren't real" didn't work for me as a child. I was terrified of sleeping. I bought a empty spray bottle and put different color food coloring in it, printed up different labels. One being "ghost spray". Every night before bed..I let my kids spray the "ghost spray" wherever they felt they needed to, under the bed, closets, everywhere really. It worked so well that it has now passed on to nieces, nephews, grandkids. I hope it works for your little one too. I think it would help a great deal! Of course, night lights or bedside lamp on too. I don't know that I would take my 4 year old to a therapist just yet. Please keep us updated though!

being a person who 'believes' in ghosts, i will offer you another suggestion:
have your child practice putting up a shield of love-light over the house, over each of you, and over himself and his bed. this glowing light, filled with his love is an excellent safe-guard against malicious entities, imaginary or real.

you might join in this activity, and if you are so inclined, ask the 'good ghost' to help you protect your family and home.

best wishes~