Dd's bad dreams - Should I read anything into this?

[GillL]

The last 2 nights dd (3.1 yrs) has woken up crying having had a bad dream. The first night she said that I had shut her bedroom door (I always leave it wide open with a door jammer) and last night she said I left her on her own in an empty swimming pool. I told her that it was just a dream and it wasn't real but she was still understandably very upset about it. I'm not sure if I should read something into this like she thinks I'm abandoning her. Or am I just being paranoid?

Well, 2 in a row about being "left" might mean she's worrying about something, but equally these things happen sometimes... Sorry, that doesn't help much does it? Has anything happened lately, or changed, which you think could be making her feel like this? It's hard at this age to ask what they're upset about - they often don't really know themselves - but if there's anything you think may have upset her, then some extra reassurance would be a good plan.

Thanks AMumInScotland. It's possible that it's because I have less time for her because I also have an 8 month old baby. She's dealt with it really well so far but it might just be catching up with her.

It's about the age when they have bad dreams - and getting lost or left behind is one of their greatest fears.

Same happened with my dd - she's always dreaming that someone takes her . It frightens me as much as it does her!

It may be partly new baby, but probably more that at this age they are thinking more about doing things without you - preschool playgroups etc. Also being able to anticipate things. Dreams are a good way of testing yourself out in anticipation of it happening in RL.

Just reassure her - the fact that you are there when she wakes up is enough. She will probably just stop having them until she maybe anticipates a situation where she will be without you.

Thanks fondant. Good to know I'm not doing anything wrong