Related Articles
Step-Families with Preschoolers
How changes to family structure can affect preschoolers.
Preschool Parenting Book Review - Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids
Authors Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hodson offer keys to respectful parenting.
Is Your Preschooler a Gift Monster?
Stop the "gimmes" and teach preschoolers to be grateful.
Easing Your Preschooler's Bedtime Fears
By Maria Connor
Preschoolers, especially 4- and 5-year-olds, have active imaginations yet often can't discern between what is real and what is pretend. Your child’s bedtime fears may be generated by a genuine belief that something is under his bed or in his closet. If bedtime has become a battle because your preschooler is afraid of the dark (or what’s in it), there are some Dos and Don’ts that can ease his nighttime fears.
DO leave a night-light on.
DO let your preschooler listen to quiet music or story tapes as he falls asleep.
DON’T allow nighttime fears to go unchecked. If they begin to interfere with normal sleep or routines, talk to your pediatrician.
DON’T force your preschooler to remain in the dark.
- Give your preschooler a small flashlight to sleep with.
- If your preschooler is very frightened, arrange a sleeping bag for him on your bedroom floor. But be careful that this does not become a habit.
- Monitor the content of movies and TV shows that may too scary for preschoolers.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and label it “Go Away Spray.” Spritz under the bed, in the closet or behind the dresser to keep the bogeyman at bay.
Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today to our free weekly newsletter.
Preschoolers, especially 4- and 5-year-olds, have active imaginations yet often can't discern between what is real and what is pretend. Your child’s bedtime fears may be generated by a genuine belief that something is under his bed or in his closet. If bedtime has become a battle because your preschooler is afraid of the dark (or what’s in it), there are some Dos and Don’ts that can ease his nighttime fears.
Preschool Bedtime Dos
DO acknowledge your preschooler’s fears. Ask what he is afraid of, then reassure him that you are nearby and will keep him safe.DO leave a night-light on.
DO let your preschooler listen to quiet music or story tapes as he falls asleep.
Preschool Bedtime Don'ts
DON’T argue or belittle your preschooler for his fears.DON’T allow nighttime fears to go unchecked. If they begin to interfere with normal sleep or routines, talk to your pediatrician.
DON’T force your preschooler to remain in the dark.
More Preschool Bedtime Tips
Here are a few more tried and true bedtime tricks:- Give your preschooler a small flashlight to sleep with.
- If your preschooler is very frightened, arrange a sleeping bag for him on your bedroom floor. But be careful that this does not become a habit.
- Monitor the content of movies and TV shows that may too scary for preschoolers.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and label it “Go Away Spray.” Spritz under the bed, in the closet or behind the dresser to keep the bogeyman at bay.
Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today to our free weekly newsletter.
