How To Tackle Night Fears Among Toddlers
Most children fear the night and its associated darkness. At times, they are scared to go to sleep as they feel that the darkness of the night will engulf them. This fear is not completely unfounded as most adults also fear the night. Once the sun sets, and darkness seeps in, it time for unearthly aliens and sounds, and comfort levels recede as the night progresses.
It is essential to remove this ‘fear of the night’ amongst children, and the earlier it is tackled, the better it is, for both parent and child.
Get Child into Bed with a Light on
Parents can keep the room light on when the child gets into bed and stories are read to the child. If the child has a great fear of the dark, then a table lamp can be kept on until the child is asleep and, thereafter, a night light can be turned on so that if the child wakes up in the middle of the night, the room is not in complete darkness. If the child is not too scared of the dark, then after story time, the room light can be switched off and the night light can be used until the child drifts into sleep.
Toy ‘Guard’
Children, especially toddlers, have a favourite toy that serves as a ‘security blanket’. This toy can be given to the child to hug and sleep or, alternatively, the toy can be placed on the side of the bed/cot as a ‘guard’. Parents can weave stories about the ‘toy guard’ who is a protector and guardian of the child.
Happy Stories
All bed time stories should be happy stories, and not about dragons and witches. Most regular fairy tales can also be avoided as they do contain some negative elements like the wicked witch or the monster!
No TV before Bed Time
Television watching must cease at least two hours before bedtime as even cartoons do have some negative language and violent actions.
Story Books
Stories have a great impact on children and parents can purchase some story books that cater to night fears. Otherwise, parents can make up stories about children who do not have night fears as their favourite toy is with them and the night light is on.
