Best Strategies for Calming a Child's Nighttime Fears

Every night, children across the world worry that there's a monster hiding below the bed. It's a standard fear that the majority of adults will relate to—the fear of monsters isn't new. It's a fear that pre-dates video games and social media and has persisted throughout the generations.

If you have a toddler who is convinced that when the lights go out, there's a furry monster who is going to crawl out from under the bed and 'get him,' you're not alone. But, it may be powerful to know how to calm your child's anxiety and convince him that he will sleep in his bed alone without being attacked by a monster that lives under the bed. boarding Schools in India regularly provide tips to students, like washing the feet before going to bed, doing meditation and others, these kinds of tips help the student to have stressless sleep.

The fear of Monsters

The fear of darkness, particularly of being left alone in the dark, is one of the biggest fears children experience.

A 2015 study published within the International Journal of psychophysiology suggests that the fear isn't necessarily of the dark, however, it is more of a fear of nighttime.

Some researchers suspect this is often evolutionary. Nighttime is once people are also most vulnerable to predators. Kids might have learned to cry as a way to urge adult attention and keep safer from nighttime danger.

So it's probable that your child's fear of nighttime and darkness is hardwired and the anxiety she naturally experiences at bedtime is probably going to fuel her imagination—which may be why she's convinced that the second you leave her alone, a monster is hiding below the bed.

It's probably that popular culture plays a role in fostering kids' imaginations about monsters. There are continually books, movies, and cartoons about strange looking creatures.

So as frustrating because it can be to have to return your kid to bed half a dozen times as a result of she insists there's a monster below the bed, it may be useful to achieve an improved understanding of age-appropriate fears so you'll be able to decide best how to intervene.

Age-appropriate Fears

According to Ecole Globale childhood fears usually, aren't rational. But that doesn't mean those fears aren't real. Here's what to expect from your kid through the ages:

Toddlers – kids between two and three are also afraid of anything they don't understand. Whenever they see something that doesn't appear quite right—like granny wearing a bandage or a plate with a crack in it—they might begin to cry.

Preschoolers – between the ages of three and five, kids tend to worry about imaginary dangers, just like the worry that a monster lives below the bed. They need trouble separating reality from fantasy and that they have vivid imaginations that fuel their fear.

School-aged kids – Fears usually become more reality-based throughout the school years. A toddler is also fearful of thunderstorms, barking dogs, or fires. They will conjointly worry about their parents' health and their safety and that they should still experience some sleepover anxiety. As their understanding of the globe grows, irrational fears concerning monsters living below the bed should slowly begin to disappear.

What to Avoid

These parenting strategies might backfire within the end and cause your child's fears to become worse:

Teasing your kid. Creating fun of your child's fears or embarrassing her might fail. Several adult fears and phobias aren't essentially based on reality either—like the fear of flying in an airplane or the fear of public speaking. So honor your child's feelings by treating her with respect.

Arguing your logic

Don't waste your energy attempting to convince your kid that monsters below the bed are illogical—especially if you've got a toddler or preschooler. Your logic won't work.

Minimizing your child's feelings

Saying, "Quit being such a sissy," or "It's not a big deal," is harmful. Instead, acknowledge that your child's fear could be a big deal to her and that you understand what it's like to feel afraid.

Scaring your kid

Kids need to face their fears step by step. Don't do something forceful to assist your kid in overcoming her fears. Locking her in her room once she's panic-struck or allowing her to watch scary movies can reinforce her fears.

When to seek professional help

In most cases, the fear of monsters under the bed slowly goes away as a toddler matures. That doesn't mean the fear of the dark can go away completely, however. It's traditional for older children to be still a bit cautious of the night.

If your child's fears appear to interfere together with his everyday life, you'll need to think about professional help.

If he's having trouble sleeping as a result of he's scared, it should affect his behavior the next day. Or, if his fears of monsters are thus massive that he usually talks concerning them throughout the day or all of his play revolves around monsters below the bed, discuss with your pediatrician.

The pediatrician might offer some ways that may improve your child's sleep, reduce his fear, or address bedtime behavior issues. If the pediatrician thinks your child may have anxiety or a phobic disorder, your kid may be referred to a mental health professional.

Talk medical help might teach your kid skills to reduce anxiety. You'll be invited to be involved in your child's treatment; thus, you can support your child's efforts and assist in lowering her fears.

This article is contributed by Ecole Globale International School