Few things are scarier for kids than bad dreams.
At least when we adults wake up after a nasty dream, we can relax ourselves with the knowledge that none of it was real. For kids however, the horror of the nightmare can stay with them that bit longer.
For that reason, it’s good to know how to comfort them, and what you can do to reduce their frequency…
Get lots of sleep
If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, they’ll suffer physically and mentally, making nightmares more likely. With that in mind, ensure you maintain a regular bedtime schedule and routine for your little one.
Talk it out
When your child wakes up in a sweat at 3am, it can be tempting to just shush them quickly and tuck them back into bed so you can get your rest. But this isn’t a good idea. If a child is left with their big, scary thoughts, they’ll struggle to get back to sleep, and might have another nightmare. Instead, talk about it.
Look for themes
While talking it out is good, it’s also a good idea to look for any frequently occurring themes. For instance, if your child’s nightmares tend to involve one person over and over again, maybe there’s a reason for it. Or maybe not. But either way, it doesn’t hurt to think it out.
Watch what you watch
Keep winding-down activities light and fun. In the hour or two before bedtime, don’t expose your little one to scary movies, TV shows, bedtime stories, music or other stimuli that could upset them. And remember, even silly things can be scary to a child. Think Roald Dahl’s The Witches, for instance.
Comfort and cuddle
If there’s one thing your child will appreciates after a nightmare, it’s physical affection. Talking and sweet words are all very well, but there’s nothing quite as calming as a big fat hug!
Flick the switch
Keeping a night-light on won’t stop nightmares from happening, but they will help calm a child down once they wake up after one. Everything is scarier when you can’t see what’s before you, so this makes perfect sense.
Reassure them
Putting your child’s mind at rest is key. For instance, if your child has had a nightmare about a burglar breaking into your house, it’s a good idea to remind them that the house is all locked up, you’re just next door to protect them, or that burglaries are very rare in your area. Anything to calm their overactive imaginations.
Play in the dark
Whilst having a light on at night is helpful, playing in the dark before bed may also be helpful. Play flashlight tag. Have a treasure hunt and search for things that glow in the dark.
Don't bring them to sleep with you
This can seem like the easy solution, but it's only a temporary one. It's best to calm your child down, reassure them, talk out their fears and worries. That way, you'll teach them how to cope with the difficulties presented by nightmares, rather than teaching them to run to mummy every time something goes wrong.
Air worries before bed
We know that nightmares are more likely to occur after we’ve experienced something upsetting, or if we’ve simply been thinking about it. That’s why it’s important to have a proper chat with your child towards the end of the day to allow them to get things off their chest. Bottled up worries can come out in night-time sweats!
