Dealing with Nightmares: Gentle Tools for Parents

Waking up to a screaming child is jarring. But night fears are a normal part of a growing imagination.

Validate, Don't Dismiss

Don't say "There's nothing there." To them, the fear is real. Say, "I know that was scary. You are safe now. I am here."

The Dream Changer

Ask them to rewrite the ending. "If the monster came back, what could we do? Could we put him in a tutu? Could we shrink him?" Give them the power back.