How to Get Rid of the Monster Under the Bed or in the Closet

You know that monsters aren't real, but it can be hard to change the mind of a panicking child who is convinced that something scary is lurking under his bed or hiding out in his closet ready to pounce as soon as you turn out the lights. It's common for children to be worried about monsters and what might happen when their bedroom is dark. In fact, fear of the dark is one of the most common childhood fears, according to HealthyChildren.org. Your child isn't doomed to a life of terror, however. With a few new bedtime routines and calming activities, your child will sleep peacefully unafraid of monsters.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a nighttime routine to get rid of monsters. Many young children don't understand that monsters aren't real and remain scared of them despite your many attempts to prove otherwise, according to Stephen W. Garber, author of "Monsters Under the Bed and Other Childhood Fears." Instead of arguing with your child, help him get rid of the monsters he thinks are in his room. Perhaps you could shoo the monsters out of his room or sprinkle a bit of glitter under the bed and in the closet, telling your child that it scares the monsters away.

    • 2

      Give your child a flashlight, Garber recommends. Tell your child that when he gets scared he can turn on the flashlight and shine it around his room to see that there aren't any monsters lurking under the bed or in the closet. Leave the closet door open so he can easily see inside without having to get up.

    • 3

      Read picture books about children overcoming their fear of monsters. "Are There Spooks in the Dark?" by Claudia Fregosi or "Shadows" by John Canty show children learning to deal with their fear of monsters and other scary things that can lurk in the dark.

    • 4

      Calm your child before leaving his bedroom. Sing a relaxing song or rub your child's back to help him calm down and get ready to sleep. Snuggle him in and cuddle for a few minutes so he's starting to get drowsy and ready for sleep. If he can relax enough to get sleepy, chances are he'll fall asleep without panicking about the monsters he's sure are hiding in his bedroom.

    • 5

      Teach your child ways to cope after you leave his bedroom. Don't cater to his fear by letting him hide out and sleep in your bed because this sends the message that there is something to be scared of, KidsHealth recommends. Teaching him coping techniques will help him overcome his fear. Show him how to close his eyes and repeat a mantra, such as "My bedroom is safe. Mom and Dad are close by." This will give him something to concentrate on when he starts to feel afraid.

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