A nightmare is a bad dream that usually involves some imagined danger or threat to the person having it.It is normal for children to have a nightmare once in a while. Nightmares  seem to peak during preschool years when the  fear of dark is common. Nightmares aren’t completely  preventable  but parent’s can help the child get a peaceful rest.

What causes nightmares ?

No one knows the exact causes of nightmares. However dreams and nightmares seems to be one way kids process thoughts and  feelings about a situation they face and to work through worries and concerns.

Nightmares may occur in the following situations .

• When the child is dealing with stress or change of events such as moving, attending a new school, birth of a sibling or family tension.
• Sometimes it is a reaction to trauma such as accidents, natural disaster or injury.
• Kids with very good imagination can also have nightmares if they read a book just before bedtime, after reading a scary book or watching a scary movie or TV show.
• Kids may also have  nightmares as a result of recognizable bit and pieces  of the day’s events and experiences with scary twists . The child may not recall all the details but still can remember some of the images, characters and situations  and the scary parts.

How to help your child cope with nightmares.

These are some ways to help your child cope with nightmares.

• Reassure the child that you are there.  Your calm presence will help the child feel safe  and protected .
• Let your child know that its a nightmare and that its over. Reassure your child that the scary stuff in the nightmare didn’t happen in real life.
• Offer comfort by letting your child know that you understand she is afraid and that it’s okay to be afraid.
• You can ease the child’s fear by using a nightlight or hall light  to help the child feel safe in a darkroom  as they get ready to go back to sleep.
• You should help your child go back to sleep by doing the following :
  • Offering a favorite stuffed animal to hold.
  • Play soft music.
  • Discuss pleasant dreams your child have had.
• Be a good listener. Your child may want to talk about the dream in the morning. By allowing the child to talk about it or even drawing or writing about it during the daylight, the scary stuff lose its  power.

How to encourage sweet dreams.

Parents cannot prevent nightmares . However these tips may help children have a good night sleep.

• Have a regular bedtime and wake-up time .
• Have a bedtime routine that lets the child feel safe and secure as they drift to sleep. This may include a bath, snuggle from you, reading or some talk about some pleasant events of the day.
• Have a bed that is a comfortable  , peaceful place to quiet down. A  favorite toy, stuffed animal, night light or dream catcher can help.
•  Avoid scary movies, TV shows and stories before bedtime especially if they’ve triggered nightmares before.
• Let your child know that nightmares are just dreams. They are not real and cant hurt the child.