How to Comfort a Child After a Nightmare

It's inevitable -- at some point, and probably more than once, every parent will wake up to a tearful cry of a child who has awakened from a nightmare. Even a child who has developed an ability to distinguish between what's real and what's not can feel insecure or disturbed after experiencing a bad dream. One of the reasons is because the images from a nightmare are still vivid to a child who has just awakened. As a parent, it's your responsibility to comfort, reassure and relax your child, so she can return to sleep. In-depth discussions can wait until morning.

Instructions

    • 1

      Acknowledge that your child had a nightmare, but point out that he's awake and safe now.

    • 2

      Hug your child and calmly reassure her that everything is OK. Reassurance from someone she trusts can help her start to relax and prepare to go back to sleep.

    • 3

      Offer your child a favorite stuffed toy or soft blanket to provide her with comfort. Hold her hand to provide further comfort.

    • 4

      Switch on a night light for your child, if he requests it. If you don't have a night light available, turn on a light in a hallway, bathroom or closet and leave the door partially open to allow some light to filter into the child's sleeping area. A flashlight by the bed can also provide comfort.

    • 5

      Ask your child to lie back down, close her eyes and visualize something that she considers fun or pleasant, such as spending time at the park or playing in the waves at the beach. Focusing on these images can help her relax and fall back asleep.

    • 6

      Remain in the room until your child falls back to sleep. Once he's asleep, go back to your own bed, but leave his bedroom door open in case he awakens again.

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