This How To Help Children Overcome Fear Dark

Parents should be careful when choosing words when talking to children. Lest the fear of children in the dark begins when Mother or other relatives frighten or tease her. Generally children have a high imagination, so they are more easily scared. The fear of the dark usually begins to be felt by children aged 2 years who can imagine, but cannot distinguish between reality and imagination. Dark conditions that do not allow them to see clearly, can make him imagine there might be a scary figure in the corner or under the bed.

Looking for Causes of Dark Fear

Mother might wonder why Little One is suddenly afraid of the dark, whereas before it was not. The most common source of fear of darkness is children's fear of something they do not understand. Here are some possibilities that can cause your child to be afraid of the dark:

• Sounds and images watched

Television is one source that provides excessive stimulation to children. Children who watch shows that are not appropriate for their age might see something that is frightening to him.

• Stories and pictures in books

When a child reads a story or sees a picture from a book, then he can be misinterpreted so as to make his imagination scare himself. For example, imagine a witch or a bad person.

• The words of parents or others

Not infrequently the words of parents cause children to fear the dark. Mother, Father, or other relatives may often say, "Don't be naughty. Let's sleep, if you are naughty you will be kidnapped by a ghost, ”or similar words. This sentence will build the child's imagination, causing fear.

If left untreated, fear of the dark might just disturb the quality and hours of sleep of the child.

So That Children Are Not Afraid Of Darkness Prolonged

The first thing you need to do is get your child to communicate. Mother needs to respect and truly understand her fears. Avoid laughing or saying that fearing the dark is stupid or does not make sense. Underestimating the fear he feels will not make him bolder, but will only make him feel ashamed and guilty, or even feel unreliable. On the other hand, sympathizing allows children to accept and handle their fears. Tell the child that fear is a normal thing that is often experienced by other children. Then show that there is nothing to be afraid of. The things below can be a guide to help the child overcome his fear of the dark, including:

• Ask the child about the fear felt

Mother can ask what exactly makes them afraid. Find out the source of the fear he feels. His fear might come from his imagination, or from other things such as fear of losing his parents, either because of death or separation. This fear can be felt even more in the dark.

• Avoid actions that appear to believe their fears

It is better not to check the bottom of the bed or in the closet to check for the presence of monsters or ghosts the Little One is afraid of. This will only make the child think that Mother believes that what she is afraid of might indeed be there. Reassure the child that he is safe from monsters or whatever he is afraid of. Mother can also ask what can be done so that she feels safer, for example by bringing her favorite toy to sleep.

• Make sure the child is safe

If the child's fear comes from worrying about something tangible like a thief or a criminal who might enter the house, Mother can invite him to see that the front fence has been locked, or that there are housing security guards who stand guard all night. This fear can be quite reasonable if there are indeed events that have just happened in the environment around the house, such as a neighbor's motorcycle that was stolen.

• Leave the room in a dim condition

So that the room is not too dark, Mother can put a light sleeper that makes the child's room stay comfortable and dim. Leaving the door slightly open can also make a child feel more calm, especially if he sleeps in his own room. If the child has slept alone in his room, avoid getting used to go back to sleep with Mother and Father.

• Apply sleep routines and wake up

Sleep and wake up on time as part of a routine, can help relieve child anxiety.

• Make sure children read or watch shows according to age

Don't let children read or watch shows that are over their age. Mother can also take advantage of various books that encourage children not to be afraid of the dark.

• Replace inappropriate room equipment

As far as possible, Mother can change the equipment in a child's room that creates a bad imagination, such as dark curtains or rather spooky decoration.

• Encourage children to move actively

Making sure the child is active during the day is one way to help ease his anxiety, and help him sleep more soundly at night.

Mother can praise or give a gift every time your little one can overcome his fear. For example, making breakfast or his favorite lunch. This will make the child more enthusiastic and confident. With the support of parents, children can get through this period well, which will provide them with provisions to overcome fear of other things in the future. If the fear they experience is increasingly worrisome and will not go away, Mother can check with your child psychologist, who will help find problems and solutions.