NIGHTMARES - how should I deal with them?

[gremlin]

My two and a half year old son has started having nightmares. He wakes up screaming that there are monsters in his room.

We make sure that he doesn't watch videos or read books that might upset him. We've also installed a nightlight. The poor little thing is beside himself, clinging to me like a limpet! It took me an hour and a half to calm him last night. I read somewhere that you shouldn't insist that there is no such thing as monsters??? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[elliepupp]

My son went through this when he was about five. He'd get quite hysterical screaming and distressed, but oddly enough not remember much of it in the morning. I found the best thing to do was not to switch the lights on, but to lie on the bed and talk soothingly about what we'd been doing that day. Hope it helps (he grew out of it!)

[gremlin]

Sounds like your son was having night terrors rather than nightmares?? My little boy had a nightmare again last night although his dad went to him and managed to settle him within about 10 minutes this time. Guess I am just going to have to be patient really. I just feel so sorry for him!

[gremlin]

By the way, Ellie pup I forgot to say thanks!

Gremlin