What to Do when Your Child is Afraid of the Dark

Many children are afraid of the dark at some point in their lives. It can be exhausting for parents when children are fearful and don't want to sleep alone. My youngest daughter has been afraid to sleep in her room at night for some time now. I didn't want to be up all night with an apprehensive child, so I created an environment that was soothing rather than scary. If your child is afraid of the dark, try the following five tips.

Create an indoors star gazing room

Stars mesmerize children, so bring the wonder and luster inside. Putting glow in the dark stars on the ceiling and walls will add light to the room and distract your child at the same time. Create constellations for a more realistic atmosphere. Be sure to charge the stars by turning on a light before your child heads to bed.

Purchase light up stuffed animals

Light up stuffed animals, such as Glow Worms are wonderful for kids who are afraid of the dark. I purchased my daughter a Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Soothe and Glow Seahorse when she was 4-years-old, and she absolutely adores her stuffed sea animal. These sweet stuffed animals come in pink or blue, and although they are recommended for children up to 18-months-old, my daughter is now 5, and she still sleeps with hers every single night.

Please children with a portable night light

Portable night lights are ideal because they don't have to be plugged in, meaning there is no risk of children getting shocked. In addition, there is no exposed light that could burn your child's hand. Portable night lights can be placed on dressers or put on the bed with your child.

Paint the room with glow in the dark paint

Make your child's room fun and unique by painting patterns with glow in the dark paint. Use stencils or foam stamps to create a shining theme. Sponge Bob, outer space themes, or anything yellow in color is an excellent option. Sponge Bob can easily be painted using a sponge as the base. Kids will think their room looks cool, and the paint will provide enough light to appease them.

Soothing sounds for sweet sleep

Play soft music or a CD featuring the sounds of nature to help your child fall into sweet sleep. Soothing sounds will help your son or daughter to relax and unwind rather than focusing on being afraid of the dark.

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