Gifts for Children Who Are Afraid of the Dark

There are many reasons a child can become afraid of the dark, although its often a normal part of childhood. Once a toddler or preschooler matures enough to realize that the dark isn't just the absence of everything but a place where things still exist yet can't be seen, its normal to develop fears of the unseen. It is a sign of emotional growth and maturing creativity, so fear of the dark is certainly not a sign that you've done anything wrong or that your child is traumatized.

There are dozens of articles available about ways to help your child deal with this fear of the dark through talking and emotional support which is vital to helping your child overcome their fears. However when the sun slips behind the horizon and the dark comes as it does every night, having special ways to comfort your child makes all the difference in the world as they work on overcoming their fear of the dark.

We've experimented with dozens of different lights, but we've found several very special products you can purchase inexpensively that will help ease fears and bring back fun into the night.

Friendly nightlights in at least four outlets
Price : 2.00 and up

We're not talking about single light in one far away outlet. Make the room light and friendly with their favorite colors and characters. Disney Princess, Sponge Bob, Hannah Montana, or Transformers are just a few that have their own lights.

No matter what wall they look at, they will see a friendly and safe light to help ease their fear of the dark. Ensure that there are no completely dark corners and pay special attention to doors and closets as well as shadows cast by toys and furniture. Show them that their room is safe.

Mobi TykeLight Jr
Price: 11.14

Unlike flash lights, this portable nightlight isn't meant to illuminate but to comfort with its soft glow. The controls are easy to use even for the youngest toddler so they can set the light to high or low depending on what they need to help sooth their fears. Since the light is filtered through the thick plastic, there are no worries about staring into the bulb. Available in blue, green and pink to fit your child's taste.

Its lightweight and tough, so they can carry it around before bedtime and have it next to them as they fall asleep. Since its hard plastic, after my daughter drifted to sleep with it against her pillow, I would move it to the nightstand so she wouldn't hit it during the night.

Cloud B Twilight Turtle
Price: 26.63

This was the last toy purchased for our daughter in the hopes that she would conquer her fear of the dark. It was the last toy, because it was the solution. After months of doing everything we were supposed to, this little turtle reinvented night time for my daughter by making it a place of beauty and fun instead of fear. It has three colors chosen to sooth and comfort--green for the growth of nature, blue for the soothing ocean waves and amber for warmth of autumn. It automatically shuts off after 45 minutes, so she can keep it on until she falls asleep without draining the batteries all night.

When the turtle is turned on, he projects lights onto the ceiling or wall. Five pointed stars arranged in the pattern of real constellations and a crescent moon in the center, with no blinking or distractions from the comfortable glow. He is light weight and plush with the exception of his shell which is hard plastic. Four button operation (one for each color plus on/off button) he's easy for even the littlest one to operate.

We knew that her fear of the dark was behind her (for now) when she exclaimed the next morning, "Its too light! Make it dark for my turtle!" We pulled the shades, turned out the nightlights and watched the turtle's light dance on the dark wall. She's slept next to him every night since without fear. We currently don't even have a nightlight in the bedroom at her request as it would take away the glow from her turtle

Its very common for children to fear the dark and we may find in a few years we're facing the same issues again. However we're so glad that will loving encouragement, extensive talking, explaining, patience, and these few special toys, we've helped her overcome it for now.