When your toddler has bad dreams, how can you comfort them?

Most importantly, don't worry. Everyone dreams every night. Bad dreams may be frightening but they are quite norma.

'The monster's gone...'
After a nightmare, your child will be wide-awake. Don't leave him alone. He needs comfort and reassurance, so cuddle him back to sleep. Be as understanding as possible. Talk through the nightmare, as it will make it seem less scarey.

What's causing the nightmares?
Did he watch something scarey on TV before going to bed? Has moving house or a change in routine upset him? Maybe his brother or sister or a friend told him something frightening. Maybe he imagines frightening things in the dark.

Tell him that sometimes we have bad dreams if we are worried and ask him if he is frightened or worried about anything.

Make going to bed a happy event
If your toddler is sent to his room every time he does something 'naughty', he's unlikely to feel relaxed about going to bed at night. Make time to settle him down, tuck him in and tell him to think about something happy as he goes to sleep.

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