3 yo scared of shadows

[Coolcoolcool]

Advice wanted please. My ds is 3.5 and since moving to big bed he frequently gets out of the bed crying because he is scared of shadows in his room. He sleeps with a nightlight that he can turn on. He also has the owl clock which casts a dim light in the room (have tried playing with different brightnesses but doesn’t make a difference).

What should we do? I could get more nightlights but then I think that would cast more shadows and be more scary? Didn’t have this issue when he was in his cot
Thanks!

What has helped us sometimes with fears is to make something cute or playful or ridiculous out of the object of fear. DD was terrified of a popular movie franchise villain that her friends told her about so I made up a story scout him giving up his villain job and becoming nice and opening up a bakery. Unfortunately he was a terrible baker. DD lost her fear and he became one of he favourite imaginary friends.

so eg you could show Ds how-to make shadow animals or a shadow puppet show .. basically something to break that negative association and associate them with something fun or cute

Ghosts?

Nah just kidding my 3year old will spin any yarn to me if she doesn't want to go to bed (scared, thirsty, needs the toilet, her teddy has an itchy foot 🙄). Could you keep him up half an hour or so later so he falls asleep easier then praise him for being so good (no mention of shadows). Then going to bed the following night be like gosh you went to sleep so well last night you clever boy, I was so impressed etc.

Maybe something visual like a light projector for the ceiling so his eyes are watching that instead of the shadow? Or some books by his bed.

Also when mine get a bit clingy or fearful I think if they have any stress going on as sometimes I think they project their anxiety/worry as they are young and don't always know why they feel a certain way. Is he worried about his new bed? Does it feel to open? Is it by a wall or in the middle of a room?