Ask Dr. Schwartz
Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions

My 10 year old is a very bright child who has read advanced books since age 5. He loves medieval fantasy books and can read one book per day when not in school. He is also very sensitive and about a year ago choose to become a vegetarian not to hurt animals. He talks about helping poor people and preserve the wild. He attends an advanced class. At home he is happy and does not play a lot computer / electronic games.

Recently we had a long conversation and he confided that he has been dreaming of kiling people, he refered to them as soldiers lead by barons and kings. When I asked what he thought were the causes of his dreams, he said he did not know. He also told me that I should not worry because killing people is a choice and he would never made that choice.

I am worried and afraid and really do not know what to do. I always though of him as a very caring chld and still do but his dreams seem to me as an expression of aggresivity I did not know existed.

Please advise,

Thanks

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