Four year old having nightmares

[LocalEditorLambeth]

Hi everyone! Wondering if anyone has any advice to help with our four year old having nightmares? I've read a little bit online and it seems that they are very common at this age and she started school in September too so big changes. Any good techniques you can recommend? She is sometimes a bit worried about going to sleep in case she has bad dreams.

Hi,

Our son has had his share of nightmares with fear going to sleep during big changes. I had no magic bullet. Lots of soothing before going to bed- we've done yoga breathing to relax him before going to bed. We've also had a pillow spray to help him have good dreams (just a relaxing concoction of a light lovely essential oil blend safe for their age) that I told him would help. Plus a lot of suggestions about things to think about that would be relaxing and sweet to dream about before going to sleep - ponies, rainbows etc. Being responsive during the night so they feel safe also doesn't hurt, but we've lost our share of sleep for this. It does pass though if it is any comfort. He is going on 8 now and just bought me a dream catcher (another idea for you). Having an outlet for discussing fears and worries probably wouldn't hurt either I suppose, but I imagine you're already doing that. Good luck.

Hi peekaboom!

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply, I really appreciate the ideas. Luckily it seems to have calmed down a bit now but I have more ideas if they ever come back. Felt so bad for her, especially when she was scared to go to sleep in the first place as they obviously really need their sleep! The yoga breathing might be a useful technique anyway so will definitely look into that. Wishing you and your family a very Merry (happy dream filled!) Christmas!