It’s not unusual forchildren to feel uneasy and scared at bedtime. Kids between the ages of 5 and 10 have wild imaginations; happy dreams and scary nightmares can both be common. And sometimes no amount of reassuring and checking under the bed can help them sleep. Frightening and unpleasant dreams usually peak around 5 because they’ve begun developing a broader understanding of their surroundings – and the dark is a scary place!The odd nightmare is normal, but if these fears continue lingering and disrupt your child’s sleeping habits, you might want to look into different strategies. Here are a few ways to help your anxious child overcome their bedtime jitters.
Get a Family Bed
Some kids are only able to battle their nighttime foes when a parent is snuggled next to them. Get your child a bed big enough to comfortably fit your family. Beds don’t need to be big enough to accommodate an all-night snuggle fest, but just enough to ease them into falling asleep by your side. This’ll help them feel safe and secure as they’re ushered into a pleasant dreamscape.It’s also a great way to squeeze in some extra TLC after a busy day.
Setting the bedtime stage as a safe and happy place will help combat any lingering spooks. Look into family beds for sale;comfy pillows and blankets, a new stuffie, and a parent by their side might be all they need to start their restful night’s sleep.
Install a Nightlight
Dark corners and open closets can spark fear in a child, especially if they have anactive imagination. To help your kid sleep peacefully, add a nightlight to their room. It can help alleviateany of the fears that are associated with or triggered by the darkness.
Empathize with Them
Understanding what your child’s fears are and recognizing that they’re valid can make themfeel safer, too. Askthem about what makes them feel scared, listen as they express themselves,and try to help them rationalize what it is that they’re afraid of. Some common fears include things seen in movies, book, or photos, that they’ve encountered. Remind them that none of these things are real, no matter how real it can feel at the time.
Create a Routine
Setting a bedtime routine is another effective way to create consistency and structure in your children’s life. According to psychologists, this not only lessens anxiety buteven helps your child build responsibility. Start your child’s evening routine with brushing their teeth, and end it with a bedtime story or a lullaby. Include routines that your child can enjoy, taking their mind off of their fearsso they can look forward to something more positive.
While some children overcome their bedtime fears easily, others might need a little more understanding and patience. From purchasing high-quality family beds for sale to using nightlights to help your child feel safer in the dark, there are many ways to help your little one overcome their bedtime anxiety.