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Nightmares (cont.)

What Can I Do About My Child’s Nightmares?

After a nightmare, comforting your child is the only “treatment” required.

You should talk to your child in a relaxed tone.

Avoid turning on all the lights and remind your child that you are sleeping nearby.

Try helping your child imagine a good or funny ending to a scary dream. Your child will learn to use his or her imagination and to feel safe and in control.

Nightmare prevention

Preventing all bad dreams may be impossible, but some steps may help. Remember that your child will experience some stress during the day, but you can help your child relax before bedtime.

Establish a bedtime routine that starts at the same time every evening.

Make bedtime a safe and comfortable time by reading to your child or relaxing and talking with your child before bedtime.

Try using a night-light or singing a lullaby.

At age 3-6 years (when nightmares are most common), children are just beginning to understand the difference between fantasy and reality. Teach your child that nightmares and monsters are not real.

Encourage your child to imagine positive scenarios before bedtime. Talk about positive endings to your child’s nightmares.

If comforting your child and having a relaxed bedtime routine do not help or if your child has more than 2 nightmares per week for several months, getting a psychological evaluation may be necessary. For most children, medications are not helpful or recommended.