How Do You Help Little Ones Deal with Nightmares and Monsters Under the Bed?

Bedtime can be stressful for children who are anxious about the dark or bad dreams that sometimes come with the rest they need. There are a variety of ways adults can help children overcome these fears, including nighttime routines that scare away the "monsters" under the bed or simply leaving a light on until your child falls asleep.

This week, Poway Patch's Moms Council answers the question: How do you help little ones deal with nightmares and monsters under the bed?

Suzanne: Read a few psychology books and know that the wee ones are discovering “new” all the time.  In the daytime they can see behind, under, around and over the unknown—darkness limits them and their senses, just as they are learning so much new information every day.  Thus, some form of night light or variable light switch makes sense.  So does managing the “going to bed” system of slowing down the world, talking of calm events or reading short calm stories, saying “thank yous” or prayers, and being as repetitive as possible night after night. Needless to say, in the middle of the night, a parent must be ready to demonstrate that the bedroom is free of monsters (with a flashlight); reassure them that their teddy bear or whatever will protect them; that you will soothe them for a moment with gentle massaging on the back; and that everyone has to get some sleep, in their own bed.  I discovered that Wizard of Oz is not a good bedtime story; that the howling of Poway coyotes is scary; and that long quiet hallways can be used for slow walking and cuddling if the child is still light enough to be carried back to bed. 

Kristine: I literally deal with this every night with my 4-year-old.  It's tough because kids are too young to understand logic.  I've gone the route of showing her everything that's in her closet, the one place she's most afraid of.  I've spent a lot of time talking her through her fears and letting her know it's OK and that fears are normal.  We've installed night lights and allow her to sleep with as many comforting stuffed animals as she needs.  Regardless, she's still a work in progress.  I know it's just a stage so we tend to "roll with the punches"  even if that means she ends up in bed with mom and dad.

Leslie: When my kids were younger, there were times when they would be scared of monsters under their beds and in their closets. To ensure that all was OK, my husband and I would get on our hands and knees and have our kids watch us as we would check under their beds, as well as a closet check.  After doing an overall check, clearing all areas, the kids were relieved that there were no monsters present. There were times where we would lay with them in their beds as security for them and again assuring them all was fine. We made sure we addressed their concerns and at the same time not making it a big deal.  As time went on, so did the "monsters."