Are you also noticing your little monster waking up screaming? Nightmares can be terrifying not just for kids but for the parents and people around them. But you are not alone! A lot of children face this issue every day and have bad dreams. But there is good news! You can easily help your kids cater for those nightmares filled with creepy creatures and can sleep soundly. The following are some ways to easily deal with your child’s nightmares and let them feel at ease. Keep reading to know how!
Understanding Nightmares
Ever wonder why your child wakes up sweaty and scared? Those might be nightmares! Nightmares differ from regular bad dreams because they’re much scarier and wake your child right up. They can happen for many reasons, like big changes in your child’s life, feeling stressed or anxious, or even just being at a certain age. We’ll explore why these scary dreams happen and what you can do to chase them away!
How To Help Children with Nightmares
Before Bed
- Nighttime Nightlights: Develop a sleep-inducing plan before going to bed. This could be taking a warm bath, listening to a nice story or some good music.
- Talk it Out: Help your child express all their concerns and fears at bedtime. These two may cause them to feel anxious, but outright discussing them would make them feel relaxed and get the needed sleeping hours.
- Happy Place Haven: Ensure your child’s bedroom has a protective feel to prevent accidents and invasions by intruders. If your child is scared of the dark, leave the nightlight on, as well as a soft blanket and comfortable pillows.
During a Nightmare
- Stay Calm, Be the Hero: Do not get upset if your child wakes up after a bad dream. Instead, comfort the child. Their emotions will be high after the breakup, and in such a state, a single comforting word in a gentle voice and even a hug will go a long way.
- Listen Up! Let your child tell you everything they see in their scary dream. Do not cut in or laugh it off.
- No Bright Lights: Do not switch on the bulbs or place lamps that would make them feel more awake.
After a Nightmare
- Morning Monster Mash: Wake up in the morning and discuss the dream with each person. Try to help your child tell the replay of the scary scenes in a different and comical manner or less threatening. Perhaps the monster wears a red cape, or perhaps the frightening-looking creature fears stories before sleeping!
Additional Tips to Follow
- Tame the Tech: We suggest turning off all the TVs, phones, and tablets at your place at least an hour before bedtime. In this way, any bright light will not be the cause of your child’s nightmare trigger.
- Sleep Routine Rescue: Create a consistent sleep schedule for your child, going to bed and waking up around the same time each day. This helps regulate their body clock and promotes better sleep.
- Sweet Dreams, Not Sugary Dreams: Avoid sugary drinks and snacks close to bedtime. A sugar rush can disrupt sleep and make nightmares more likely.
Banish Nightmares & Spark Imagination!
Does your child struggle with nightmares? This blog post offered tips to conquer those creepy dreams, but the real key to a good night’s sleep is a captivating bedtime story! Deepali Gupta’s enchanting book, “The Princess Knight Adventures: A Journey Beyond Dreams,” takes children on a magical adventure filled with friendship, bravery, and a touch of magic. Visit our website to learn more about our books.