Children’s senses are different from adult senses, as well as their interpretations of what they see, hear, smell, etc. Children hear in different ranges and see in different ranges “frequencies” than adults do. Just because you don’t see or hear what they do doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. For example, a dog can hear a dog whistle that our ears won’t be able to hear, and sounds have been developed that will register with younger ears while being inaudible to adults. Some people’s ears pick up differently than others do and like the dog whistle, just because we can’t hear it doesn’t mean it didn’t make a sound.

Sometimes children, pets, and some adults can see things others can't. They see in a slightly different spectrum than others do and therefore they may see things that we think are not there. Also as adults, we make excuses for the things that we can’t explain to rationalize what may be going on around us. If we see something that’s “not there” we may tell ourselves that we are tired, over-worked, stressed, etc. and dismiss what had happened when a child or animal may try to find out a different reason for the occurrence.

There are occasions that a strange event was nothing more than an over-active imagination that leads a child to think they saw or heard things that are not there. Occasionally a medical condition may result in unusual experiences for the child. Before dismissing any of these, there are ways to find out what is going on and how to help your child understand and come to terms with it.

How to explain to your kids what a ghost is

Some kids think a ghost is something to fear, something covered in a sheet, something that appears at Halloween. This is perfectly fine and normal. However, if you child seems to be bothered by something and you’ve ruled out nightmares and other problems, you may want to help the child with a deeper understand of what a ghost really is. Some children have imaginary friends, which sometimes may not be so imaginary (if you know what I mean) or have real frights to the point of nightmares and unexplained fears.

Depending on background or religion of the family, there may be varied ways of approaching this. Some cultures and religions will accept a variety of ideas, but if you need help to explain to a child what a ghost is, here are some helpful hints:

1. Keep it simple –children don’t need to be more confused
2. Ask yourself what you believe. Find easy terms to explain this to your child. Need help? Ask us – we are here to help you.
3. Here’s how R.I.P explains ghosts to young children: These are people who have passed on and no longer are in there bodies but haven’t moved on to their new homes or lives yet. Like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly, some butterflies get scared to fly away and it takes them a while to find the courage to move on. Some people feel the same as these new butterflies and are aren’t ready to take flight (move on).
4. Have the child explain to you what he/she thinks a ghost is and work from there.
5. Contact R.I.P. and we will try to help you out (www.key2rip.com)

Kinds of ghosts

Not all ghosts are bad. Each ghost has his or her reason to stay behind. Some may simply need a little time to come to grips with this new change, while others simply refuse to move on out of guilt, fear, ties to someone here, unfinished work, etc. For these ghosts several things may happen. They could grow wearier and tired of being here, they could be convinced to move on, or when they feel like they are ready to face their new existence, they may leave on their own.

Under the R.I.P. terms, we define ghosts as a human spirit who has left its body but not yet has crossed over. There are many types of spirits, demons, angels, shadow people, guardians, and other “supernatural” beings, but when we are talking about ghosts, this is what we mean. For example, a child may be visited by a deceased ancestor, but this will not be a frightening experience for the child. To deal with the other types of beings, we can help advise you by contacting us at key2rip.com. This is not what we usually look for when “ghost hunting” but it is part of what we study and we can offer assistance or direct you to someone who can help.

What a ghost can and can’t do

R.I.P.’s findings on ghosts may vary from others’ findings, so don’t be afraid to go with what you are comfortable with, not only in the understanding of ghosts but how to deal with them. Everything is made up of different kinds of energy. This includes ghosts. Since ghosts do not have their body, they are limited in what they can do. But like all forms of energy, they can manipulate other forms of energy. Putting it simply, they can physically do a few things like move items, or make contact with someone. But just remember, we are stronger – we are the ones with the bodies – so we shouldn’t be the ones to fear. For more information on this please contact us.

How to get your kids so they don’t fear ghosts

The best way for you or your kids to deal with ghosts is to empowerment. Ghosts may believe that they are still needed here, but they’ve had their life and now it’s your turn. If they start interfering with you or your children, let the ghosts know that they are not welcome. Remember, ghosts were people too, so they understand what you say if you speak out loud and tell them to get out of your house, that they are not invited. The entire family must stick firm on this, and if everyone stands up to the ghosts they will eventually get the message and move on.

Never fear them, or at least don’t show fear in front of them. Fear is a way they can gain power over you. They know this. Stand up to them like any guest that has overstayed his welcome. Be firm, and don’t worry about being overly polite to them. They need a clear message from all inhabitance that they are not to be there.

Empowering young children

One of my favorite experts on ghost behavior, Echo Bodine (author and ghost hunter) has passed on through her writings a technique that works for the smallest of children and R.I.P. has found many forms of this empowering technique. This might not only help children stand up to ghosts (either real or imaginary) but to monsters, bogeymen, and those types of fears.

She suggests you to instruct your child to speak firmly at the ghost stating something like, “Get out! It’s my room, my house. You’re not welcome,” and have a spray bottle, room deodorizer, or something non-harmful your child can spray at the ghost they fear. The spray gives the child a sense of empowerment that they feel will make them safer, when its actually standing firm that will chaise the ghosties away. One member of R.I.P. felt that it would be a good idea to give the child a spray bottle of water with a touch of lavender scent or something that would relax the child. Just be careful not to give anything to the child that may hurt them or they will have an allergies to. Also, children are smart and if there’s just water in the bottle, the child will not feel like their “ghost-away spray” will really do the trick.