Children And Fear Of The Dark
Children’s fear of the dark is more common than we think. It is more of a natural reaction of the body, the instinct to protect itself from what they consider to be dangerous.
Being able to detect the fear of the dark and correct it in time will guarantee a healthy rest for our little ones. This early detection will avoid trauma and situations that are emotionally and mentally harmful to the health of our children.
Between three and eight years of age is the stage in which children usually manifest and develop this fear. The fear of the dark is often infused by external factors and does not usually transcend that stage, but we must be ready to help him leave it behind.
Raising safer children is a parent’s responsibility. As our children are more secure, they will have more control over situations in which they can become panicky.
Why are you afraid of the dark?
You may not remember an especially important episode from your childhood in which the fear of the dark attacked you, but we have all experienced it at some point. There are even adults who deal with it. But why are children afraid of the dark? The answer can be very broad, as there is no specific reason.
In some cases, children fear the dark because they heard a scary story or saw something related on television. Most children who experience this fear associate darkness with loneliness, a particularly sensitive issue in young children.
At other times the fear is simply the fruit of your childish imagination. Some recreate in their mind some monster that hides under the bed or in the closet. Then bedtime becomes hated: not only is it the end of the day, it is the awakening again from that fear.
When a child is afraid of the dark, it shows some signs. He does not want the day to end, he lengthens his activities, delays the rest and looks for thousands of excuses not to go to sleep. On many occasions he asks you to leave the light on or seeks your company more than at any time of the day.
How to help them overcome their fear
To be able to help you, you must understand that being afraid of the dark is normal, but you should not underestimate it either. For the child it is a serious matter and as such it must be taken care of. Avoid at all costs generating a mockery for it.
- In the event of a panic episode, it is important that you talk with your little one. Explain that there is no reason for him to be scared. Try to reassure him.
- Leaving the light on is not a solution, it will not help you overcome your fear. It will only appease you as long as your room is lit, but the fear will still be there. Leaving a dim light can help, but it is a method to use as you get used to sleeping in the dark.
- Show her that her room and home are completely safe places ; But beware, doing it by way of inspection can generate stress.
- It encourages some type of game in which they visit these spaces where they usually think that there is something hidden, in this way they will associate it with something positive and fun.
- Your little one’s room should be in order. The environments in which order reigns there is also tranquility. Clutter can cause the child to imagine fearful shapes in the dark.
Routine brings stability
Lastly, try to follow a bedtime routine each night. This will help the little one to enter a state of relaxation that encourages sleep. You can dedicate these last moments to doing some relaxing activity for the little one; for example, taking a shower or bath.
Then accompany him to his bed and stay with him for a few minutes. Try to let him experience pleasant emotions so that he associates this moment with something positive. You can read him a story or tell him a story. You can also do a relaxation practice or take the opportunity to remember the most beautiful moments of the day.
Finally and when you are in a calm and positive state, it is time to sleep. Tuck him up, give him a kiss and say goodbye until tomorrow wishing him sweet dreams.
