Scared of going to bed

[Sexonlegs]

Our dd (2.5) has always been great at going to bed, but has recently been "scared" at bedtime. She talks about scary monsters, and drags out going to sleep. We tell her that scary monsters don't exist and that she is safe.

She has also been waking up crying, either soon after she has gone to bed, or in the early hours of the morning; sometimes quite sweaty.

Has anyone else experienced this; what have you done to help and how long does this stage go on for?

Thank you.

Poor wee thing! I think its fairly common (my neice went through a few weeks' nightmare phase at around 2.5, waking screaming most nights - horrible, but didn't last all that long and may have been associated with house move). Has she been through any big changes recently? Nursery, moves etc?

My own dd is only just 2, but wanted to 'bump' your post anyway...

Does she have a night light? if not, maybe that will help her.

My ds went thru a very short period of waking in the night terrified of "things" in his room. We got him a nightlight which helped for a short while but what i found worked best was acknowledging his fear as real. Its real to ur DD whetehr or not it is to you. Maybe u could get her a special torch to shine under her bed b4 she goes to bed to check and in the night she can shine the torch and have a look?

I first thought of watching monsters inc but realised that that could make it worse!!!

Sorry, nothing really brilliant just wanted to suggest and bump for you x

Thank you. Yes, we have started using a night light, and also have her light on but dimmed down as low as possible. Sadly, this hasn't worked either.

I think it will be a case of grinning and bearing it. It is so sad to see her in such a state, and really exhausting for all concerned!

I've also been told its important to acknowledge fears as real...as opposed to the monsters, of course. Kids need to feel that their experience is accurately seen/heard by someone in order to feel safe.
Also, maybe try picking an imaginary 'superhero' figure of hers (Noddy, her teddy bear, any important 'safe' object!) and tell her they will protect her through the night? I know this worked for my friend's dd, age 3. Or, ask her what would make her feel safe/make the monsters go away - after all, she's the expert on what she needs to feel safe!
Sorry not much help..just brainstorming for you...hope she feels safer soon.

Thank you all very much. Tonight dd and I were in her room with the lights off and she was putting her baby to bed. She kept saying "don't worry baby, there are no scary monsters here". And tonight, touch wood, she has gone down like a dream, and back to her normal self. So, the message has hopefully got through.

Thank you again so much for your advice. I love mumsnet!!