Preschoolers and Nightmares!

 

 

Preschoolers and Nightmares!

4-27-12

My starlets are 25 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days old.

 

 

Waking up to a blood curdling scream is scary, but when it is your child a feeling of helplessness rushes over. You cannot make it to her quick enough. Nightmares are common in preschoolers but can be very upsetting for the child, other siblings and parents.

 

Children at this age are becoming more and more aware of the world around them and often have very active imaginations. There are some things you can do to help your child feel safe.

 

 

TIPS

 

• Give your child a special stuffed animal or doll to sleep with. Tell your child that the doll or animal has the special job of keeping her safe while she sleeps.

 

• Put a nightlight in your child’s bedroom or in the hallway right outside her bedroom and leave the door cracked. You can put a small flashlight beside her bed to help her feel safe.

 

• Use soft music as a focal point for your child. Turn it on every night as she is going to bed and any time she gets up in the middle of the night.

 

• Give your child “magic spray” for her room. The spray can be used to rid her room of monsters or attract fairies who will protect her while she sleeps. A light vanilla spray smells nice and will not overpower her room. Spray it all over her bedroom every night before bed; under the bed, in the closet, behind the door, by the windows and wherever your child thinks it should be sprayed.

 

• Have a bedtime routine. Tuck your child in bed, encourage good thoughts or say bedtime prayers with your child.Be mindful that if your child is having a nightmare she may be disoriented when she wakes. Soothe her by rubbing her back or hair. Sometimes a glass of water or warm milk will help calm her down.

 

 Happy toddlers = happy moms & dads!

 

 

Robin Greene is a Kindergarten teacher of over 5 years and has two teenagers. Robin has enjoyed watching her children grow and now enjoys driving them to baseball and dance. During her spare time Robin enjoys spending time with family and friends and is a freelance writer for mybabyclothes.com. Every little kiddo has to have at least one special outfit in their closet whether it is a baby tutu, or a baby hat to match some of their sweet, adorable baby clothes.