Help Your Child Overcome Fear of the Dark
Fear of the dark is a common occurrence amongst children, with up to 43% of children expressing fear at night. While in most cases fear of the dark is something that passes as children age, there are occasions when a child’s fear may be especially intense. If your child is struggling with a fear of the dark, it is important as a parent to support them in overcoming this fear. Here are some ideas of how to help your child through their fear.
The first step in helping your child with their fear of the dark is to alleviate their fear by providing lots of reassurances. Reassure your child that you are there to protect them from any of the things they fear in the dark. This will give your child the comfort and security they need to reduce their fear.
Create Positive Associations with the Dark
Creating a positive relationship between your child and the dark is an important way to reduce fear. Instead of avoiding darkness, spend time with your child in the dark doing activities that are fun. This can be anything from having a flashlight party that involves playing flashlight tag, to looking at the stars and creating a constellation chart. By engaging in fun activities with your child that occur in the dark, they will begin to associate the dark with fun and be less scared of it.
You can also create a ‘dark box’ where you can place items that your child can access in the dark. Fill the box with items that may help to comfort your child such as a flashlight, a soft toy, or a book they enjoy. When your child feels scared, they can reach for the box and know they have some comfort items at hand.
Routine & Security
It is important to establish a routine that will help your child feel secure before sleep. Have a set bedtime that is consistent for each night and create a bedtime routine that your child can look forward to that leads up to sleep. A quick massage or reading together before bed can be very calming and comforting. Add to this something that your child can take with them to bed that will make them feel safe and protected, like a special stuffed animal.
Remind your child to use their imagination to challenge their fear. Have them imagine a big wall or bubble around them that no fear can penetrate or have them think of their favorite character or superhero that will protect them during the night. Then have them take charge of their fear where they can challenge it and be brave. The ‘brave words’ they think of could be written out and put on the wall in their room as a reminder to them that they can take charge of their fear.
Encourage Open Communication
Be sure to keep an open channel of communication with your child so that they feel safe enough to communicate any fears they may have with you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and listen to the ways your child expresses their feelings about the dark. This will give you a better understanding of the true source of their fear and what techniques may work best to help them overcome it.
It is important to be patient and understanding of your child’s fear of the dark. Remember that this is a normal fear and one that can be overcome with the help of a caring and supportive parent.
Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Fear of the Dark
- Reassure your child that you are there to protect them
- Engage in fun activities in the dark
- Create a ‘dark box’ with comforting items
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine
- Have them imagine a wall or bubble around them
- Maintain an open channel of communication
Conclusion
Fear of the dark is a common occurrence amongst children. It is important to provide your children with the support they need to overcome their fear of the dark. Lead by example by being understanding of their fear and make sure to engage in activities that create a positive association with the dark.