What Do You Do When Children Have Nightmares?

When children have nightmares and they may even be afraid to go to bed, how can parents help them?

Bedtime is something that most adults look forward to. However, this is not always the case for many children. Sometimes children do not feel like going to bed because they want to keep playing. Other times it may be because they are afraid of having nightmares.

Below we take a closer look at the most common nightmares among children. We also come up with some recommendations on how to reassure children after experiencing these bad dreams.

What is the reason why children have nightmares?

It is quite common to have nightmares. In fact, it is almost all children who experience it at some point. They start to appear when the children are about two years old and it is something that continues through childhood.

But when adulthood announces its arrival, the nightmares usually disappear. However, there are some cases where they continue. This applies to women, among others.

There are no documented, scientific reasons for the existence of nightmares. There are several factors that can cause them.

Nightmares are often provoked by events that have happened during the day. Here are some examples:

• Your child has fallen asleep late at night while watching television. Maybe the child has seen a movie that was creepy.
• Goodnight stories involving monsters or other creepy things can also cause bad dreams.
• Other causes can be stressful situations that a child faces. It can be, for example, quarrels, a death in the family, school change, etc.
• When children are not used to sleeping alone, they may more often have nightmares. It is because of the fear they feel.

It is important to understand that nightmares do not mean that your child has experienced some form of trauma. As I said, it is perfectly normal to have nightmares during childhood. Thus, there is no need to contact a doctor or other specialists.

How to avoid these bad dreams?

It is impossible to avoid nightmares completely. However, there are things we can do that give our children a more peaceful night’s sleep and that reduce the frequency of bad dreams.

You can try the following to help your children sleep better:

• You can establish routines at bedtime and in the morning. It is important that you follow this routine at all times.
• Your children’s rooms should be as comfortable as possible. They must be free of objects that could scare them.
• Eat dinner early and make sure dinner is light. You should also refrain from allowing games and activities before bedtime that will make them over-geared. Help them instead of relaxing. For example, you can give them a bath before bed, read a pleasant story or cuddle together. 
• Give your children a warm drink before bed, which will help them calm down and relax.

Avoid things that may upset your children. This could be, for example, watching TV in the evening or reading spooky stories. At the same time, make sure that the surroundings of the home are as relaxing as possible.

What to do when children have nightmares?

Since it is impossible to prevent nightmares completely, you can only be prepared. When your child then wakes up and is afraid of a bad dream, you will be able to help.

The first thing you can do is make sure your child feels protected. This will be much easier with your presence, making your child feel safe. Say reassuring words such as, “Everything’s okay, nothing’s happening, I’m right here.”

Tell your kids that no matter what they saw in their dream, it was not real. Show them your love. Reassure them so that they feel you understand them 100%.

Another thing that can help reduce their anxiety is to follow the flow of their imagination. If they tell you they’re scared of monsters, spray with an air freshener and tell them it’s a means to deter the monsters. Thereby, your children will be able to sleep safely.

Do not turn off the light. If possible, place a night light or flashlight close to your bed.

If they have difficulty falling asleep, it is a good idea to put on some relaxing music. In the morning you can ask your children to tell about their dreams. Here it is important that you listen carefully.

If your kids have nightmares, there is no need to worry. This is perfectly normal. The best thing you can do is plan a good routine at bedtime and avoid tense surroundings.

When children have nightmares, it is best to be prepared with love and comfort.