This is most likely one of the biggest fears children have, I am afraid of the dark!
Has your toddler started saying to you before bed or in the middle of the night, Mommy I am afraid of the dark? If so the best thing to do is sit and listen and ask questions. As silly and irrational as it may sound to you this fear is very real to your child. Don’t laugh or smile at him when he tells you that he is afraid of monsters under the bed or the neighbor’s dog. Instead let him know that it is ok to be afraid of something and that you are also afraid sometimes. By being reassuring and comforting this will let your child know that it is very normal to have fears and also it will help him deal with his own fears.
Ask him why he thinks there is a monster under his bed and what he thinks the monster will do. Talking about fears helps ease them. Don’t try and convince your toddler that there is nothing to be afraid of. Instead of saying “Don’t be afraid of the dog” say “I understand the dogs frightens you, would it be ok if we walked past the dog together?”
Here are a few tips on helping your child go to bed or go back to bed.
If you have a toddler that is scared of the dark then I would recommend that you take your toddler out to the store and let him pick out a nightlight that is his special little light.
Sometimes children say that they are also scared of monsters, I usually get an empty spray bottle and fill it with water and make a label that says “Monster Spray. I also explain to the child that monsters are not real, and they wont hurt him but you understand his fears and it is ok to be afraid of monsters.
Some toddlers still get a great deal of comfort out of dragging around a raggedy baby blanket or clutching a well-worn teddy bear. These objects can offer an anxious child lasting reassurance, especially at bedtime.
So above all, listen to your child and remember when you were afraid of the dark.
