HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD OVERCOME A FEAR OF THE DARK?
(Nyctophobia)
How does a fear or being scared of the dark (nyctophobia), bogeyman, witches, noises, monsters, devils and death start?
As children grow they are exposed to death, injury, suffering from a wide range of sources and their imaginations can run wild!
Think of the many traditional stories that involve witches, devils, ogres, bogeymen, the dark and death. The princess that falls asleep for hundreds of years, from the prick of a thumb or from eating an apple.
The euphenism of "falling asleep" when someone has died, all contribute to a fear or being scared of the dark and in some cases an extreme fear or phobia,
Fear loves the dark!
Overcoming a fear of the dark, Nyctophobia, is best approached gradually with practical steps but most importantly reassurance is required.
Take the childs fears seriously, don't ignore the cry for help. What has created the fear in the first instance? Stories, DVD's, noises or strange shapes in the room, even other children?
Give reassurance - show the child that the room is safe, that there is nothing hiding anywhere.
Check the central heating, rectify unusual noises that during the daytime can hardly be heard but at night can become uncannily scary.
Sit with them, read friendly stories, gradually reducing the light levels over a period of time.
Help them to feel comfortable, play games make the dark "fun". A torch beside the bed aids comfort levels.
Assure them, let them know that it is normal, nothing wrong with being a little scared but Mummy or Daddy are close by if they need you.
Offer positive affirmations that they are safe and will come to no harm.
Being on their own can take practice (far less than you think!), leaving a night light on, a door slightly open, a room aglow doesn't spoil the child but helps them gain confidence and builds trust.
With constant reassurance, they will feel relaxed and safe, gradually the fears will fade and so will the darkness!
( Phobias - Nyctophobia - Fear of the dark )
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