Any ideas on how to handle irrational fear in 3.5 year old ?

[motherunearthed]

DS is 3.5 and waking at night because he is scarred - he doesn't say what's making him feel scarred. He co-sleeps and just puts the covers right over himself and will whimper and whinge - which can go on for hours. I stay calm and try not to speak too much - just offer him a hug and tell him that there's nothing to be scarred of and i'm right with him. I read somewhere that you shouldn't dismiss a childs fears - so not sure what I should do.
I was hoping to move him to his own room in the next month or so as I me and DH really want our bed back!

How 'awake' is he?

When my DS (also 3.5) has nightmares, I can sometimes shoosh him back to sleep by talking softly to him - just nonsense stuff.

If he's any more awake than this I find it best if I 'do' something. So, I say a magic spell to make the room all safe, sprinkle fairy dust around the bed (lavender talc!), shoo the monster out, check under the bed for the spider etc etc.

I think they are reassured by you agreeing with them that there is something frightening going on and that you are doing something about it.

Thanks MarmMummy, he wakes himself completely. I will try your suggestions, I think he will like the idea of fairy dust etc.

My DD is only 8 months so we're not there yet - but I'll definitely remember your advice MarmMummy, when our time comes!

Good luck motherunearthed.