Managing Your Child’s Nighttime Fears
Nighttime can be an incredibly daunting period for children, filled with anxieties and fear. From being startled by shadows to the lingering presumption of imaginative nightmares, parents find themselves searching for effective strategies to help their children feel soothed in these emotionally charged hours. While there are a few causes behind a child’s night-time fears, below are a few ways to handle those fears.
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Since the physical and emotional responses to night-time fears can come with an unpredictable intensity, children can benefit from parents’ presence and guidance during these moments. In order to eliminate any physical anxieties, parents can provide physical comfort, such as hugging, patting, or snuggling as a comforting gesture. For the more abstract worries—related to imaginary creatures, etc.—parents can explain that the problem is not real and provide a safe space for children to express their fears.
Providing Comfort
One of the most common ways of providing comfort is to allow children to sleep in one’s bed or room. This gesture sends a message of soothing and safety to the children, as they are able to feel a physical presence as well as a sense of assurance to make them feel safe in their own homes. Similarly, the commonly used night-lights and other calming music can be incredibly helpful in providing children a sense of security that is often lacking in the night-time hours.
Particularly beneficial to children that are prone to nightmares and night-time terrors is engaging in regular, calming activities in the evening. A bed-time ritual of some kind usually helps, such as reading stories while keeping the lights on or having a conversation about the day’s events. This can help ease the feelings of sleep-induced anxieties as well as help children feel in control.
Making Healthy Choices
It’s also vital to make healthy choices in order to keep night-time fears at bay. To stay away from outside fears and anxieties, it is important to remove any electronics, phones, or laptops from a child’s bedtime space. It is also recommended to keep screens with a minimum amount of light exposure away from a child’s bedroom to reduce any distraction or anxiety. Finally, a lack of an appropriate bedtime routine may also contribute to night-time fears, so a positive bedtime routine will help to calm any nighttime fears and anxieties.
It is also important to include healthy snacks in an evening routine. Eating balanced meals are especially important to getting a good night’s sleep. This will help ensure that children are well-rested and won’t be prone to exaggerated fears during the night.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that as parents, it can be hard to watch children struggle, particularly with night-time fears. Reassuring them, and yourself, of their capability and power over the fear has proven to the most effective way of helping children through difficult emotions.
Final Tips
- Provide physical comfort, such as hugging or snuggling.
- Engaging in calming activities in the evening.
- Eliminate any electronics, phones in the bedtime space.
- Eat balanced meals for a good night’s sleep.
- Reassure your child of their capability and power over the fear
Conclusion
Night-time fears and anxieties can be incredibly distressing for everyone. By following the tips outlined in this article, parents can create a safe, secure and comforting environment for their children, helping them to ease the night-time anxieties and get some rest.