When the lights go out sometimes night shadows can creep in and cause little ones distress even in the most familiar places.

A toddler or preschooler tends to be afraid of unfamiliar things that they don’t understand or can’t control. Their active imaginations, and their inability to always distinguish between reality and fantasy, means they may believe that the night shadows are monsters.

Its important to be sensitive, sympathetic and understanding of their fears. Talk to them and reassure them that they are safe. If not addressed, a child’s fear may linger and continue to disrupt their sleeping habits.

There are many ways that parents can help their child to overcome a fear of the dark.

Some practical ways to deal with your child’s fear of the dark: 

• Establish a bedtime routine that your child finds relaxing, enjoyable and predictable  to reduce anxiety.
• Install a nightlight in your child’s room (we love Giimmo & Zzzoo Lights)
• A child’s fear tends to lessen if they feel they have some control over a situation. For example, consider putting a lamp by their bedside so they can switch on the light themselves. Use a low wattage bulb. 
• Make sure their television viewing habits and reading materials are appropriate to their age. A child can easily be frightened by news footage, movies or scary books. 
• Look around their room at night and try to see things from their perspective. Is there a picture or toy that may cast a shadow or look creepy in the half-light?
• Don’t make a big deal or fuss about your child’s fear in front of them or other people, in case they feel more anxious about it. 
• Don’t make fun of or belittle their fears.

Our favourite guardians of the night are the brilliant Giimmo night lights. Giimmo’s range of white PVC toy come with a wide range of different animals, and a few dinosaurs, all with their own unique personality. These cute guys have a LED colour changing heart and can be carried around by your child if they need to go to the bathroom at night. How cute is the new Prince the Tiger Giimmo!

Do you have a night light in your home? Does he bring your child comfort?

Sources: Better Health VIC

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