Top Tips to Comfort Your Child After a Nightmare
Almost everyone has a nightmare once in a while, so we all know how scary and real they can feel. As a parent, we hate to see our little ones terrified in the middle of the night by some perceived danger hiding in the dark.
So we wanted to share ourtop tipsto help your children turnmonsters into mermaidsand deal with the after-effects of a nightmare.
Validate Their Feelings
Don’t Dismiss the Fear
Donotbrush off their fear—it’s very real to them. Let them know it’s completely okay to feel afraid after a bad dream.
Talk It Through
Use words that label the experience:
“It was just a bad dream. You’re awake now. You’re safe. Everything is okay.”
Stay Calm and Reassuring
Your Presence Is Powerful
Stay calm and gentle. Let them know you’re there. Nothing is more comforting than a calm and protective parent—especially mum!
Use a Little Magic and Imagination
Magical Protection Works Wonders
Bring on the magic!
Tell them your magical mummy powers will protect the room and turn monsters into mermaids.Or try this:
Healing rock of destiny: Find a cool rock together and name it as something that protects their dreams.
Protection stone: Let them keep it under their pillow.
Dreamcatcher: A lovely choice for older children who may not buy into the magic anymore.
Turn on a Night Light
Light Chases Away the Darkness
Yes, we had to include it—but for a good reason! A calm, soothingnight lightcan really help settle those lingering fears. Let’s be honest—most of us switch on a light after a nightmare too!
Encourage Morning Reflection
Help Them Process the Dream
In the morning, encourage them to:
Talk about the dream
Draw it out
Write a new ending
Introduce a funny or friendly character
This turns something scary into something they can control—and even laugh about!
Final Thoughts
We really hope that these tips help to ease your little one back to sleep after a bad dream.
Share Your Tips!
What doyoudo when your child has a nightmare? Do you have any tried-and-tested tricks to turn monsters into mermaids once they’ve already reared their mean old scary head