Bedtime fears are different to nightmares or night terrors, as they typically emerge between the age of 2-3 when your toddler becomes aware of the potential for harm. Hence, bedtime fears may emerge & intensify when they are due to go to bed on their own 🥺
🖐️ ways to ease bedtime fears:
🧸 Security objects
A comforter, teddy, or a certain toy may help provide an additional sense comfort and security for your toddler.
🔦 Have fun in the dark
Play games in the dark if they are afraid of it to help change their mindset. For example, having a scavenger hunt with torches or a treasure hunt with glow-in-the-dark toys. The more you make being in the dark fun, the less scary it will be for your toddler.
🤱🏻 Reassurance
Provide reassurance to let them know that they are safe & that you are nearby. For example, you might say “mummy and daddy will always make sure that you are safe”.
📺 Avoid scary stories and TV shows
What you may not find scary may be very frightening to your toddler, particularly characters with masks, such as clowns, bunny rabbits, or even the avengers.
🌟 Star system
It may be necessary to provide praise for being brave, rather than giving attention for being afraid.
Setting up a sticker reward chart where they get a sticker for being brave and sleeping on their own. These stickers can later be exchanged for a preferred treat, such as going to the park or getting to have one of their favourite desserts.
Be mindful that offering nightlights or searching for “monsters” before bed rather than reassuring them that they aren’t real, inadvertently reinforces their fears 😣
If you are continuing to have bedtime battles, you can download our toddler sleep essentials guide, or book a consultation via our website for tailored support within 24 hours 🫶🏻🩷💫