During Halloween, on October 31st, people dress up as monsters or ghosts and celebrate this holiday. For young children, this can often be overwhelming. As soon as it gets dark, their imagination runs wild, and that one chair in the room becomes a monster, or there's a ghost in the closet. After all, they can't see in the dark, which makes these fears extra realistic. Unsure how to handle it as a parent? We share some tips!
Why are we afraid of the dark?
First and foremost, it's important to discover or understand why children become afraid of the dark. This is often related to stress. For instance, starting school for the first time, learning to use the toilet, or encountering new things at home can cause stress. Additionally, stories from friends that may involve scary things can provoke stress or anxiety, leading to poor sleep at night.
How to deal with your child's fear?
But how do you handle your child's fear? Here are some tips to help alleviate your child's fear of the dark:
Respond with empathy
Although ghosts and monsters under the bed don't actually exist, it's essential to take your child's fears seriously. Acknowledge them. This doesn't mean confirming the existence of ghosts and monsters, but rather, acknowledging that you understand why your little one is afraid and that their fear is valid. Then, emphasize that nothing will harm your child, and reassure them of your certainty. By confidently conveying this, you alleviate much of the fear.
Chase away the ghosts
As mentioned earlier in this blog, children find it difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Therefore, it helps to engage in your child's fantasy or fear. What do we mean by this? Your task is to chase away the ghosts and monsters under the bed. Make yourself big and show that you're the protector! Speak loudly and tell all the monsters and ghosts that they don't belong here and must leave. This way, you make an impression on your child. They believe the monsters are truly leaving. The night is saved, and they can go back to sleep peacefully.
A buddy for the dark nights
Monsters can't come where the light shines. A night light and a cuddly animal friend with a soft glow can offer sufficient protection. When children have a nightmare or their imagination runs wild, all they need to do is open their eyes to see a softly illuminated room: everything is fine! Looking for a convenient night light? Then we recommend checking out our assortment!
With the above tips, you can ensure that your little one gets a healthy night's sleep. Monsters and ghosts are now a thing of the past. One last tip: if your child has a vivid imagination, it's a smart idea to avoid scary movies or dreadful images. This way, you prevent tension or scary memories that could cause nightmares at night. As a parent, you can go to bed with peace of mind.
