Children have nightmares for a variety of reasons and can come upon them quite suddenly. It is important as an adult to recognize signs of nightmares and take necessary steps to help your child deal with them properly. Nightmares in children can be distressing but through learning what causes them as well as how to better manage them, nightmares can be treated.
Nightmares are a typically normal occurrence in children; it is important to remember that as a parent. The frequency and intensity of nightmares can vary from child to child, however overall they tend to occur when children are going through periods of great stress or trauma. Nightmares can also be the result of a lack of sleep, which has caused a disturbance in the child’s dreams.
It can be frightening for a child to experience a nightmare and it’s important that various techniques are used to help them manage them. A single approach will not be 100% effective; sometimes a combination of strategies is needed to reduce the impact of nightmares. It is also recommended that if a child is consistently experiencing nightmares, professional help may be necessary.
Find the Cause
As a parent, it is important to help your child identify what could be causing their nightmares, as knowing the cause can help them better prepare for them. For example, if the child is feeling scared of something in particular, such as a test at school, the child can work to build their confidence that they will pass the test, which can help them calm down and better manage their anxiety. Likewise, if the nightmares are due to a lack of sleep, then the child could try to get to bed earlier or practice relaxation techniques to help them get a better quality of sleep.
It is important to note that it may not always be easy to find out why a child is having nightmares. In this case, it can be helpful to practice getting into a routine with them, so that the child learns to anticipate how their sleep will be each night and can find ways to relax more fully before bed.
Talk it Out
Encourage your child to open up and talk about their nightmares. Talking it out can help them release some of their anxious feelings about their nightmares and can also be beneficial in helping to come up with strategies that can help limit the impact of nightmares. Your child should be taught that having nightmares is normal and that you as a parent are here to help them manage them. Additionally, it is a good idea to listen to your child and talk freely with them, so that they can better establish that they have your support in coping with their nightmares.
Refrain from simply reassuring a child that they don’t need to fear their nightmares. While this can give some comfort, it does not help them to better understand why they are having nightmares and how they can better cope with them. Similarly, try not to focus solely on the details of the nightmare. Talking about the nightmare in detail may frighten your child further, so instead focus on discussing strategies to practice when and if they have another nightmare.
It is also important to create a comfortable environment for your child while talking, such as having them curl up with a blanket or a stuffed animal of their choice. This can help the child to feel more secure while discussing their feelings and any strategies that they can use to better cope with nightmares.
Helpful Strategies
- Encouraging your child to keep a dream journal
- Practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques
- Playing games with the child after they wake from a nightmare to help them feel calm and reassured
- Getting plenty of sunlight throughout the day to boost the child’s mood and energy
- Engaging in positive activities before bedtime such as drawing or reading
Article Conclusion
Nightmares in children can be distressing, but through using a combination of methods such as establishing a routine, talking with the child, and utilizing positive strategies, they can be managed. Ultimately, it is important to provide a supportive environment for your child. With both patience and understanding, parents can help their children cope with nightmares and reduce their intensity.