Search results
To help prevent a fear of the dark, steer clear of scary TV shows, movies and books. And avoid threats that can have a toddler’s imagination running wild ("If you don't behave, the troll will get you"). Heads up: Teasing or employing logic ("See, your room looks the same with the lights turned on or off") can have the opposite effect.
- Get to the root of the fear. Find out what it is about the darkness that’s scaring your child. Ask open-ended questions to allow your child to tell you what’s triggering their fear.
- Don’t reinforce the fear. Dr. O’Connor says it’s best not to participate in your child’s fear of things that go bump in the night. For example, promising to rid their room of the creatures or inspecting the closet for monsters can reinforce their fears.
- Encourage them to stay in their room. If you need to, it’s better to join your child in their room to provide comfort than to let them leave their bedroom and join you in yours or another room.
- Build your kid up. Building up your child’s self-confidence and coping skills during the day can help them overcome their fear of the dark. During daytime hours, work on activities that help build self-confidence.
Feb 13, 2024 · Children may begin to feel less afraid of the dark when they associate it with happy moments. Some ideas: Cast funny shadows on the wall before bed. Read a book by flashlight under a blanket ...
- Daryl Austin
People also ask
Why is my toddler afraid of the dark?
Is your child afraid of the dark?
Do toddlers grow out of fear of the dark?
Mar 4, 2024 · At what age do children become afraid of the dark? # anchor Most of the time, I see fear of the dark start to appear around 2-2.5 years or older. As a toddler’s imagination begins to really develop rapidly between 2 and 3 years old, the line between fantasy and reality is blurred, and this is when we see the first fears of the dark begin.
May 1, 2021 · For example, if your child is afraid of the dark, talk to them and see if they're comfortable using a nightlight or leaving the door open a crack. Or, if your child is afraid of the hand dryer in the public bathroom, remind them about it before going in the bathroom and problem solve with them how you two can get through the experience together.
Feb 13, 2010 · Helping kids overcome their fear of the dark. Many parents try to help their child overcome her fear of the dark by leaving the child's bedroom lights on, or the hall light on and the bedroom door ...
Sep 23, 2015 · A reassuring bedtime routine. “The nighttime rituals — cuddling with a story, a prayer, a favourite lullaby — these things help a child feel safe,” says Girvan. If your child is afraid of what might be in the dark, says Hitchcock, you can add a couple of new steps: “Check the closet and see that there’s nothing there. Look under the ...
