A study came out stating the children between the ages of 3 and 5 who watch violent TV after 7 PM are more likely to have nightmares. Preschoolers also experience nightmares during times of uncertainty and stress. Preschool age is not an unusual time for nightmares to occur due to major life adjustments. Children of the preschool are faced for the first time with going to school, social situations, being away from mom and dad for the first time, etc. These stressors and others can cause the child to have nightmares. Since preschoolers have active imaginations and often the inability to discern reality nightmares can pose a real problem and serious sleeping issues.
What can a parent do to help?
Eliminate TV a few hours before bedtime. If your child happens to see something disturbing on TV, allow him to talk about it while modeling calm and reassuring behavior. Do not act overly concerned or scared yourself or it will increase your child’s anxiety.
If your child is going through a stressful time give him the opportunity to discuss it. Remember that something that may seem exciting to us may seem scary to a preschooler. Something that does not seem stressful to us may cause anxiety in a preschooler. Talk to your preschooler about his day, his friends, his experiences or anything in general to get to the source of his anxiety.
Routine is comforting to a child. Try to make your day as routine as possible to help your child feel secure. Many have unusual schedules but you may be able to establish something you do daily even if it is a simply fifteen minute bedtime routine.
If your child experiences a nightmare stay calm and be reassuring. Try not to let your child come in your bed if you do not want this habit to develop. Take your child to another part of the house for a few minutes to calm down if needed. Develop a simple soothing routine after a nightmare such as turning on a night light or singing a lullaby.
Most of the time this is a phase so be patient and do what you can to keep your child reassured. If you think your child is experiencing a more severe problem see your pediatrician for help.