How to Handle Toddler Bedtime Fears

Around two and a half years old, a toddler’s imagination really starts to flourish, and they can get pretty wild. Let’s chat about bedtime fears, and how we as parents can help our children overcome these fears at bedtime.

So off the bat I’m just gonna take the cat out of the bag. I hate the idea of monster spray, and we will get all into those details.

The most important thing for parents to do is actually validate your child. Tell them that you understand that they’re scared, and understand that they have these fears. It’s really important to build up your child’s trust. So they know that no matter what, even if they’re scared of something that doesn’t exist. You’re still going to always be there for them.

7 Tips to Help Deal with Toddler Bedtime Fears

1. Accept their fears, and acknowledge that you know that they’re scared. You can say, “I understand that you feel like there’s monsters in your bedroom. I understand that you’re scared.”
2. Prove your point. Show your child that none of that exists. Say “let’s take a look around your room”. Then you want to show your child under their bed, in the closet, or wherever they have a fear of something existing.
3. Get as many details from your child as possible. Ask them questions like, where have you seen this before, is it in your imagination, have you seen something in your room? Asking these types of questions is going to get the conversation going and help you understand where your child is coming from.
4. Give your child options and reassurance. You can use a dim nightlight, of course. I love giving kids is a flashlight to ease any fears they may have if they wake up in the middle of the night.
5. Encourage distractions at bedtime. Something like white noise throughout the night. A Tot Clock that may be telling a bedtime story, singing songs, and then transitioning into white noise.
6. Let your child know that you will be back. Let them know in 20 minutes after doing the dishes. You’re going to come back, check on them, and give them a kiss. Your child will be reassured and comfortable knowing that mom or dad will be back to check on them.
7. Let your child know what you’re going to be doing. Things like, I need to fold some laundry, do the dishes or mop the kitchen floor. Things that are boring tasks. This will encourage your child to stay in bed.

Monster Spray

Now I know in the beginning I talked about hating monster spray. My reasoning behind that is, if you’re giving your child monster spray, you’re giving them the validation that monsters do exist. That there might be monsters in their room, and that they’re gonna have to spray them away. I mean, it’s a creative idea, and it makes sense in some aspects. But it’s important to teach children that monsters aren’t real, and we don’t need monster spray to spray them away because they were never real, to begin with.

Bedtime Routine Cards- https://slumberandbloom.com/product/bedtime-routine-cards/

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Missy Yandow
Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Potty Training Coach