Last night, Crafty came into the room around 3 in the morning, saying she had a bad dream, then mumbled something about a wolf. She doesn't have bad dreams often, but about once every few months, we have an issue like this that keeps her awake.
I've mentioned before that Crafty and I have very active imaginations. One night when she came to the room complaining she was scared, I told her to think of happy things to chase the scary stuff away. This has become somewhat of a ritual for us now, when she's scared of something or has had a bad dream.
First, I lead her back to her own bed. She kicks when sleeping, is a cover hog, and our queen size bed just isn't big enough for three of us. Anyway, I tuck her back in and hold her hands, then tell her to close her eyes. Then in a soothing voice (well, as soothing as I can summon at 3 in the morning lol), I tell her to close her eyes slowly, and begin. Each time, I know I say different things, but the effect is always the same:
"Think about...butterflies, flowers, kites flying in the air. Think about....sand castles, ocean waves. Think about....Grammy, Big Daddy, and Uncle J. Think about Tex. Think about....the park, slides, swings, playing with friends. Think about...crayons, singing, building with Legos. Think about....chocolate, ice cream, birthday cake. Think about....princesses, roller coasters, parades. Think about....blue, the zoo, and Scratchy."
So on, and so forth until I can't possibly think of anymore happy things. Most of the time, she's not gone back to sleep, but she is considerably calmed down and has a bit of a smile on her face.
What's your trick for calming your child's fears and bad dreams?
1 awesome people commented:
I think you have the basis covered on helping children cover bad dreams. As an adult I to must scare away some bad with the good, and I find the quickest comfort in repeating a Prayer. My personal favorite would be : Hail Mary Full of Grace, the Lord is with the, Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary Mother of God, Please pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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