Nightmares are common in kids and upsetting for both youngsters and parents, but there are some actions you can take to manage and stop them, an expert says.
You should never ignore a child's nightmare-related cries in the middle of the night and you ought to go to the child immediately, Dr. Tom Jackson, a California psychiatrist who specializes in dealing with sleep problems in kids, said in a news release.
If you feel angry, frustrated or impatient with the kid, take a few moments to calm yourself before going into the child's room. As of this important moment, your son or daughter should not feel any negative feelings from you, Jackson stated.
Convenience and calm your child by cuddling, gently stroking the child's head or back, and reassuring him or her with comforting words. Listen to your child's fears with empathy, knowing that those fears are actual and should not be discounted.
Remind your son or daughter that it had been only a desire, but remember that young children don't yet understand that dreams aren't true, Jackson said. Help your son or daughter consider charge of dreams by suggesting, for instance, that he or she imagine the nightmare ending in a content way.
Preventing nightmares may be the preferred solution and there are several ways to do that, Jackson said.
Make bedtime a comfortable and safe and sound experience for your child. This can include relaxation-inducing rituals such as for example reading; having a bath or soft massage therapy; drinking a mug of warm natural, caffeine-free tea; or something as basic as being tucked in with hugs and kisses.
If your son or daughter has frequent nightmares, talk together throughout the day to pinpoint what underlying fears may be leading to the bad dreams and try to solve those fears, Jackson suggested.
It's also a good idea to analyze your child's daily routine to determine if there are factors happening at school, home or elsewhere that may be causing nightmares. This consists of monitoring your child's television shows and video gaming.
If nightmares continue even after you've taken steps to avoid them, it might be a good idea to discuss the concern together with your child's doctor, Jackson said.
