There is nothing more heartbreaking (and frustrating) when your toddler is too scared to go to sleep because they are afraid of the dark.
And while talking to them about their fears and explaining that there is nothing to be afraid of should be your first ports of call, there are other more active ways to help them sleep easier.
1. Invest in a night light
These are low lights that won’t disturb your child’s sleep but will mean the room won’t be left in darkness.
2. Invent your very own ‘monster spray’
Spraying a special mix of water and magic around the room before your child goes to sleep can help to get rid of any ‘monsters’ that they are afraid of.
3. Decorate the room with fairy lights
If you are after something a little more stylish than a night light, you can always hang fairy lights around the room or their bookcase – a pretty way to get rid of the dark.
4. Stick glow in the dark stars on their ceiling
It will be like they’re camping all the time!
5. Leave the door open slightly
The simplest thing you can do is leave their bedroom door ajar so that they don't feel like they are on their own.
6. Leave the light on outside their room
A light on outside can be a comforting yet non-distracting way to soothe them.
7. Place a teddy ‘guard’ at their door
Their teddy will be able to guard them from the dark and help them sleep easier.
8. Make the dark a fun place to be
Play games in the dark and go exploring outside at night, these things will make your little one feel more comfortable when the lights are off.