My toddler is afraid of the dark. What can I do?
Being afraid of the dark is incredibly common for toddlers and preschool-aged children. It is also normal for you to give some reassurance to your little one when he is afraid. Be careful, though, not to provide too much attention or reassurance to their fears. Overreacting or too much checking can send the message that you believe that there are monsters in the closet or under the bed, and may reinforce their worries. You can also start having some fun in the dark during the day to help your little one get used to being in the dark. Then, depending on his age, help your child start to identify with being a child who is brave and okay to be alone in the dark. Once you have done those things, consider giving some praise and reward for going through the bedtime routine and getting through the night without being fussy about being in the dark. These things should help a great deal when dealing with nighttime fears and being afraid of the dark.
About Dr. Graham Reid
