Unlike older children and adults, toddlers do not have the vocabulary to verbalize what they are thinking and feeling. This may make it challenging for parents/guardians to understand the root cause of the nightmares. The below list could be potential causes, although an occasional bad dream at this age is normal: -Not feeling well
-Separation anxiety
-Poor sleep hygiene/schedule
-Traumatic/stressful event during the day
-Hunger
-Stress
-Developmental milestone
How to help reduce nightmares:
-Keep a bedtime routine, even on weekends and vacations
-Have a nightlight in the child's room if he/she is afraid of the dark
-Use a weight blanket for comfort
-Use essential oils, such as, lavender or chamomile
-Play soft music
-Read a book before bed
-Turn off electronics two hours before bed
-Avoid eating 'junk food' two hours before bed
-Take a warm bath with essential oils and/or epsom salts before bed
-Keep his/her room at a comfortable temperature
Conclusion
As a parent, it is not easy seeing your little one struggle with stressful emotions. Be calm and help your child work through challenging feelings by labeling them; “I know that dream must have been scary for you.” Listening to your child's feelings and allowing him/her to address their feelings instead of avoiding them, is the first step in helping your child to manage them. You could even use your own experiences with your own bad dreams and how you cope with them, to show your toddler how to cope with his/hers, such as, “when I have a bad dream, I feel scared too, but after I wake up and see that I am back in my room and see that I am in my own bed I feel safe again. What helps you feel safe?” Then you could assign a safe item to ground him/her back to reality, such as a teddy bear, pillow, or blanket, to regulate him/herself again. Practice is necessary, as is for all skills, but in time could help your child manage his/her moods more effectively.
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