David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Comforting a Child After a Nightmare
jULY 23, 2008
Sometimes our dreams are manifestations of our anxieties and fears, especially in the case of nightmares. While adults may be frightened after a nightmare, I think kids may be even more afraid because sometimes they do not understand the difference between dreams and reality.
Parents have the responsibility to comfort their kids when they are upset. Here are some things you can do to help your child when he or she has a bad dream or nightmare.
jULY 23, 2008
Sometimes our dreams are manifestations of our anxieties and fears, especially in the case of nightmares. While adults may be frightened after a nightmare, I think kids may be even more afraid because sometimes they do not understand the difference between dreams and reality.
Parents have the responsibility to comfort their kids when they are upset. Here are some things you can do to help your child when he or she has a bad dream or nightmare.
- Tell them it was only a dream: Tell your child that the nightmare was just a dream and that it did not actually happen in real life. Remind your child that you are there to protect him or her and that he or she is safe, that nothing is going to hurt him or her.
- Talk about the dream: Ask your child to talk about the dream or nightmare he or she just had. Try to get your child to tell you as many details as possible, and be empathetic with him or her.
- Provide comfort: Provide your child a lot of comfort after a nightmare. The comfort will make him or her feel both cared about and safe. Hug, snuggle, sing, talk to your child in a soothing voice, or do whatever else your child finds comforting.
- Give your child a security/transitional object: Give your child his or her favorite stuffed animal, toy, blanket, or other object to hold. This will not only remind him or her that he or she is safe in his or her own room, but it will also help ease the process of trying to get your child to go back to sleep.
- Ensure your child feels safe before trying to get him or her to go back to sleep: After your child has clamed down, try to get him or her to go back to sleep. Turn on a nightlight, leave the door open, and remind your child you are just down the hall, around the corner, upstairs, etc. if he or she has another bad dream or nightmare.
