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Nightmares and Dreams in Children
Does your child ever have occasional nightmares or deep and detailed dreams that distress them? Nightmares are a frightening experience for our kids as many parents can attest to. Typically, nightmares occur during that deep phase of sleep, often known as REM sleep, and the child may or may not be able to articulate exactly what happened or why he/she subsequently woke up. As parents, the most important action we can take to help our child through a nightmare is to be a calm presence. By speaking in a gentle but firm tone, this allows the child to feel safe and also encourages the negative and dark energy of a nightmare to subside. Consider staying with your child, too, for the remainder of the night, if that is what they need from you at the time.
Should you mention the nightmare to them again? Yes!
In the morning or at some point the next day when the child is in a quiet space:
Great ways to help your child do this, especially for those that are less verbal:
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Have them draw it- what did the nightmare feel like? Look like? If they can't recall, then encourage them to imagine what it looked or felt like- this is a very powerful exercise.
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Have them write about it- can you create a story around it with characters and scenes?
By doing this, you're helping your child to face their fears and to gain control and power over those fears should it happen again, no matter the format. Also, as a parent, it often helps you to understand what the nightmare symbolizes.
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Was it related to a TV show your child saw before bed that wasn't the most appropriate for them?
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Did they watch the news?
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Is there something they are particularly worried about?
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Have they been going to bed at inconsistent times that often contribute to restless sleep?
By creating this form of expression, you are helping guide your child, in an age appropriate way, to explore those aspects of himself that are not always easy to deal with.
This goes for Dreams too! Were there messages contained in the dream? Ask your child what it means to them? How do they interpret the dream? This is a valuable perspective to teach your child on the beautiful and meaningful ways our subconscious often speaks to us.
For more information, or to check out my new website, please visit:
Jill
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