Toddler and nightmares
Your toddler can have nightmares
for a variety of reasons. His brain is absorbing and processing so much new
information each day it can easily become over-stimulated.
Stress may be a
factor too – while you may not imagine your child could be under stress,
consider whether there has been a life change recently (a new baby or getting a
new teacher at daycare) that could be making him anxious. What adults think is
scary is completely different to what children think is scary (the book coming
to eat them, trees falling down…) so do take his fears seriously, even if they
seem minor. Bear in mind too that he cannot yet verbalize his fears and tell
you what is stressing him out.
If your child does have a
nightmare:
- Go to him if he is upset and
comfort him by giving him a cuddle, rubbing his back or stroking his face.
- If he wants to talk about the
nightmare let him – it might help to make it go away.
- Reassure your child that it is
a nightmare and not real.
- Lie down with your child and
let him fall asleep with you next to him.
- If he is really scared it
might be better to get into bed next to him, so you can prove to him his room
is not scary and also to stop the habit of him coming into your bed when he is
scared.
- Before your child goes to bed
in the evening, reassure him that you are close by and that you love him.
- Buy a nightlight so that his room is not pitch black.
- Don’t let him eat dinner too
late (especially sugary foods) so his stomach has to digest just as he’s going
to sleep.
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The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.