Afraid of the Dark? Top Tips to Keep Boogie Man Away!

Whether your child is asking for "one more bed time story" or just wants you to leave the light on at night, he may not admit it, but he just might be afraid of the dark. It's okay. Plenty of toddlers are. Learning to sleep in a big boy's room can be a challenge, even when Mom and Dad are just across the hall. To him, all sorts of spooky things are lurking in the darkness. Shadowy objects can take on a whole new meaning under the cover of darkness, especially if your child has a vivid imagination. Here are five ways to help your child lose the fear of the dark.

Toddler fears are valid fears

Even though your child's fears may seem like nothing to you, they definitely are something to him. Don't dismiss it. Deal with it. Trying to convince your child that there's no reason to be afraid does not work. The fact is, he is afraid, whether there's a justifiable reason or not. Look for ways to diffuse the fear. Turn the lights on and let him see that the "person" sitting in the chair was actually only his favorite teddy. Sometimes a logical reason is all that's needed to explain the fear away. Let him talk about it, even if it seems like he's obsessing about it. It's his way of working through it.

Use a cuddly comforter

A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can provide a reassuring source of comfort to help soothe your child's fears. Include a "cuddly comforter" in the night-time routine as you tuck your child into bed.

Light dispels darkness

A night light is probably the best defense against night fears. A twinkling light or lamp will give enough light to keep "shadowy" objects from appearing.

Identify the cause

Children may be afraid of the dark for a variety of reasons. Identifying the cause may help uncover the cure. If the child is afraid that an intruder will come into the home at night, discuss the security measures you have in place. If she thinks things magically appear in the dark, have her play a game of peek-a-boo under a blanket. Moving from dark to light without the appearance of the boogie man might help. It may even be a fear induced by anxiety. Sometimes an upcoming test or project might bring night fears. Discussing the upcoming situation and addressing concerns can dispel the fears.

Get the upper hand

Sometimes fears can make children feel powerless and vulnerable, as things appear to be beyond their control. Children can take back some of that power by developing strategies that help them feel safe. With their input, identify ways to counteract the fear, such as keeping a flash light in the room, sleeping with the light on, having a faithful friend (their favorite teddy bear) stand guard, or even creating "Monster Mist" (a bottle of water to spray on "intruders.") Try to incorporate things your child feels will make him feel safe, but avoid doing things that will inadvertently suggest that those scary things actually do exist.

Karen Sullen is a writer for Corner Stork Baby Gifts that offers unique baby gifts, baby shower favors, and hundreds of new baby gift ideas to celebrate the arrival of a new family member. Offering baby resources and gift ideas for baby boys, baby girls, and even gifts for parents, big brothers and sisters.