How to Help Your Child with Nightmares

As a parent, you've probably been there -- waking in the middle of the night to the sound of your child screaming about something he or she has dreamed about. Unfortunately, nightmares are a common part of childhood. Thankfully, they are a stage that is most often outgrown as your child gets older. Here are some tips on how you can help your child through the nightmare stage.

Most importantly, comfort your child when he or she awakes from a nightmare. Remain calm, reassuring your child that he or she is safe. Discuss the dream if your child wishes, then calm all fears he or she may have. Work to get your child calmed down and back to sleep. Lack of rest will have a negative affect on your child's ability to function the next day.

Communicate with your child. It may be that your child is afraid due to a frightening experience or something he or she saw on television. When my daughter was waking up many times during the night due to nightmares, we asked her why she was afraid. She let us know that she didn't like the fact that she could see the closet from her bed. Although we shut the closet door at night, she woke up often to make sure it was still closed and dreamed of the unspeakables that might be lingering there. After assuring her that her closet held nothing but clothes and toys, we moved her bed to the adjacent wall where the closet was out of sight. Now she sleeps like a baby. Granted, the fix may not always be this easy, but discussing your child's fear and providing him or her with reassurance may be all that is needed to stop the nightmares.

To help prevent nightmares, be aware of what your child is watching on television. Limit his or her watching of movies and shows to ones that don't depict frightening things. Supervise books he or she is reading to make sure the subject matter is appropriate.

Establish a regular bedtime routine with your child. Include positive activities that are calming and make your child feel safe. Taking a relaxing bath and reading with your child are all pleasant ways that you can ready your child for a good night's sleep.

If your child continues to have nightmares on a regular basis, or if the nightmares are affecting his or her ability to function during the day, speak to your pediatrician about options for treatment. Your pediatrician may wish to order a sleep study for your child, where a professional observes your child while sleeping. If your child is having night terrors, a type of nightmare that affects him or her physically (rapid breathing, dilated pupils), you doctor may suggest other treatment options.