Get rid of your child’s night time fears
Have you watched Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.? I really loved that movie because the monsters were so adorable, not the typical monsters that we see in horror films. But monsters are real and scary – at least, that’s what our little ones think. That is why bedtimes can be difficult for kids as well as for their parents.
Night time ceremony
Doreen Nagle, author and blogger, gives parents some useful tips and tricks on how to deal with a child’s nighttime fears. She said that having a night time ceremony is helpful. Go around the bedroom, look under the bed, check the closets, go behind the curtains and say this as you go from corner to corner, “Monsters, we command you to go!” I know this may seem like being in an exorcist movie but please don’t laugh while doing this with your child. You have to show him or her that you’re serious. Of course, this would only work with preschoolers. But you can try it out with your bigger kids, I just can’t assure you that it would work.
Companionship
You can put your child’s favourite stuffed toy beside him, or you can give him a blanket or a piece of your clothing to make him feel secure. Explain that when these things are on his bed, monsters will not be brave to approach him. You can also give your child a flashlight so he can just reach for it in the middle of the night. When children know that they can bring their fears to light, they feel more secure and less afraid.
Spend some extra time
Laying together with your child before he sleeps can also ease his fears away. Just before sleeping, you can read, play, sing, write or do anything with him. Playing classical music can also soothe and calm him, and make him fall asleep faster. If your child usually falls asleep on your bed, it would be wise to explain that you will move him to his bed later. This will prevent any unexpected tantrums happening in the middle of the night.
While all these tips are great, we’d love to hear about how you guys put your little cherubs to sleep each night.Share your tricks below!
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