I finally let my daughter have a sleepover with her friend last week, and she came home and wouldn’t sleep. Apparently, the other girl’s brother told scary bedtime stories. Ugh. I’ve had to find ways to comfort my daughter, and here are the tips that are helping so far.
First, take your child’s fears seriously. While the story might not scare you, kids have active imaginations. The fear is real to them, and you build trust when you acknowledge the fear.
It’s okay to give your child a security object, even if it’s a night light or stuffed animal. My daughter chose a small blanket her grandma crocheted for her, but you can give your child control over the object she chooses for comfort.
Consider turning nighttime into fun time. We sat under a tent in her room and read her favorite bedtime stories by flashlight. It seemed to help calm her fear, and I’ve also heard that treasure hunts and flashlight tag are also effective at reassuring kids at night.
Do some relaxation training. Play a calming CD or bedtime meditation or tell a relaxing story about your child’s favorite spot as you help her relax. My daughter likes me to describe the beach as she falls asleep.
Make time during the day to discuss your child’s fears. I know my daughter responds better when we talk about her fears while the sun is shining. It boosts her confidence and helps her feel more secure at night.
I know it will be awhile before my daughter is not afraid to go to bed. But in the meantime, I’m using these tips to reassure her. Has anyone else’s child experienced fear at night? What helped your child feel less afraid?
