Nobody wants to see their child scared. But there you are at 2am, holding a trembling little one who’s just had another bad dream. It’s tough. Really tough. And if you’re reading this with tired eyes after yet another interrupted night, you’re not alone.
Why Do Kids Get Nightmares Anyway?
Nightmares are ridiculously common in children. Most kids between three and six get them. Their brains are like little sponges, soaking up everything around them. Then at night? All that information gets jumbled up into some pretty wild dreams.
Sometimes there’s an obvious trigger. Maybe they watched something a bit too grown-up on telly. Or perhaps there’s been a big change at home. New school? New baby? Even positive changes can unsettle children. Their sleeping minds try to make sense of it all, and sometimes that comes out as scary dreams.
Stress is a biggie too. We often think kids have it easy, but they worry about all sorts. Friends, school, whether their goldfish is happy. It all adds up.
Building a Better Bedtime
Bedtime routines: they’re not just for babies. A solid routine helps children feel secure. Start about an hour before lights out. Run a bath. Read a story. Whatever works for your family.
The key? Consistency. Do the same things in the same order every night. Yes, even when you’re knackered and just want them to go to sleep already.
Watch what they’re doing before bed too. That tablet might keep them quiet, but it’s not helping their sleep. Swap screens for books or quiet play. Some parents swear by talking through the day’s highlights. Three good things that happened. It sends them off thinking happy thoughts.
When Nightmares Strike
So, your child’s crying out in the night. What now? Get to them quickly but stay calm yourself. Children pick up on our emotions. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it.
Keep things low-key. Don’t flood the room with light. A gentle nightlight does the job. Sit with them. Stroke their hair. Sometimes they’ll want to tell you every detail of their dream. Sometimes they won’t. That’s fine. Let them lead.
A glass of water helps. So does checking under the bed if that’s what they need. These little rituals matter more than you’d think.
Tackling Nightmares During the Day
What happens in daylight affects what happens at night. Get them moving. Fresh air and exercise work wonders for sleep. Just not right before bed, obviously.
Food matters too. Cut back on sugar, especially after lunch. And those energy drinks some kids love? Absolute nightmare fuel.
Get them to draw their bad dreams. Then let them change the story. That scary monster? Maybe it’s actually lonely and wants a friend. Giving children power over their nightmares helps enormously. Simple breathing exercises help too. In for four, out for four. Practice when they’re calm so they can use it when they’re not.
Getting Extra Help
Look, most nightmares are completely normal. They’re annoying but harmless. However, if your child’s having them night after night for weeks, or if they’re affecting school or friendships, chat to your GP.
Some children face bigger challenges. Those who’ve been through difficult times might need specialist support. If you’re a foster carer, speak to Clifford House Fostering or your own agency for advice on ways to help.
The main thing? You’re doing great. Supporting a child through nightmares is exhausting. But with patience, love, and maybe a few of these tricks, those peaceful nights will come. We promise.