How to Get Your Child Past the Fear of the Dark

Fear, worry, and uncertainty surround them. Darkness doesn’t have to always mean monsters and the boogeyman. You can easily help your child get over the fear of the dark, with these tips.

It might help to place a nightlight in your child’s room. Or you can keep their door open and leave the hall light on, if you have one. This will ensure that light enters your child’s room in some way. That way, in the middle of the night if they wake up and get scared they will be able to check around their room and see no monsters are there.

If it is shadows that your child is afraid of, then there is a way to make some light out of the situation. Simply tell your child that the next time he sees a scary shadow dancing across the walls and ceiling, to make a fun animal shape out of it. Or any shape for that matter, as long as it is not a scary one.

Letting your child sleep with something comforting to them can make a huge difference. They will feel safe and secure with their favorite teddy or action figure in their arms. Let them sleep with their favorite nighttime books, trucks, stuffed animal, or anything else that your child might feel comforted by. Let them know they are there to protect them.

Always be there for your child. Let him or her know that if they get too scared they can always sleep with you. Leave your door open, so they can freely climb in your bed if they need to.  If they are around the age of 6 and you prefer they don’t sleep in your bed, an option would be to keep a sleeping bag next to the side of the bed. This will help them know that you are still available if they need you, but it will help you get the peaceful rest you need.

If your child is young then an option would be to sleep in their room. Lay on the floor next to their bed. Once they fall asleep you can leave the room. Eventually they might not need you to stay in their room when they sleep.

Having a fear of the dark is a natural thing. Everyone at some point in their life is afraid of the dark. The key is to remember that it is only temporary. Let your child know that this fear will pass in time.