How To Help Kids With Nightmares

Nightmares Can Be Scary! In this article, we will help you with how to help kids with nightmares.

Nightmares are bad dreams that can make you feel afraid or upset. Many kids have nightmares sometimes. If you have nightmares, you are not alone!

Why Do Kids Get Nightmares?

There are a few reasons why kids might get nightmares:

• Scary Movies or Shows: Watching something frightening before bed can lead to nightmares.
• Being Sick: Having a fever or not feeling well can cause bad dreams.
• Stress: Feeling worried about something like school, friends, or family can bring on nightmares.
• An Active Imagination: Kids who have great imaginations may dream up scary scenarios.

Anxiety can lead to nightmares. Click on this article for more information: How To Help Kids With Anxiety

What Can You Do About Nightmares?

Don’t worry – there are ways to deal with nightmares so you can get a good night’s sleep!

1. Use a Night Light Keeping a dim light on in your bedroom can help you not feel so afraid of the dark. Monsters seem scarier when it’s pitch black!
2. Snuggle a Stuffed Animal Holding a special stuffed animal or blanket can make you feel safe and protected from nightmares.
3. Change Your Bedtime Story If you’ve been reading spooky or suspenseful stories before bed, try switching to funnier, happier books instead.
4. Talk About It Describe your nightmare to your parents, teacher, or another trusted adult. Getting it out in the open makes it feel less scary.
5. Make a Dream Catcher Native Americans believe dream catchers filter out bad dreams and only let good dreams through. You can make your own to hang over your bed.
6. Play Monster Spray Have your parents spray a little air freshener or water around your room before bed. Tell yourself it is “monster spray” that will keep nightmares away!
7. Practice Belly Breathing Take slow, deep breaths by breathing from your belly when you feel scared. This can help calm your mind and body.
8. Think Happy Thoughts If a bad dream wakes you up, quickly replace it by picturing your favorite fun activity, movie, or memory.
9. Leave the Light On You can leave the hallway light on and your bedroom door open a little so it’s not completely dark and scary.
10. Call for Your Parents It’s okay to call out for your mom or dad if you wake up from a really bad nightmare feeling afraid. They can comfort you.

Don’t Let Nightmares Keep You Awake!

Nightmares may seem terrifying in the moment. But they are not real and cannot hurt you. With the right tools, you can take charge of bad dreams.

If nightmares keep happening a lot, be sure to tell your parents. They may have additional tips or want to talk to your doctor. Getting proper rest is important for your health.

Face your fears and those nightmare monsters won’t seem so scary. Sweet dreams!

For more information on how to help your children in times of trauma see this article: Helping Children Cope During and After a Disaster