only; If a child had such a dream once, there is nothing to worry about. It is enough to calm him down, tell a fairy tale and gently hug him so that the terrible story disappears from his memory. It is much worse when a child has nightmares every night. He may scream, be afraid to fall asleep, feel depressed. In this case, you need to understand the reasons and solve the problem, otherwise there may be serious consequences — nervous tic, recurring pain or appetite disturbances.
- The nature of nightmares and the reaction of children
- Why does a child have nightmares: the main reasons
- How to act for parents: advice from psychologists
- The main thing about causes of childhood nightmares and parental behavior
The nature of nightmares and the reaction of children
Psychologists say that the number of children who are tormented by nightmares is steadily increasing. This is due to high psycho-emotional stress, stress. Experiences can be caused by a variety of phenomena — from fear during parental quarrels to the emotions that a child experienced when watching cartoons. All this affects the quality of sleep and the nature of children's dreams.
Child has a nightmare in REM sleep. Usually this is a dynamic plot of disturbing content. Often dreams of chases, punishments, pain. The child is so terrified that he wakes up, and then for some time he cannot separate the dream from reality. Violent emotions can be expressed by screaming, sudden urination.
Dreams are so vivid that children are able to retell stories in detail, and remember them not only at the moment of awakening, but and on the next day. Some susceptible toddlers of 3-5 years begin to confuse dream with reality, which leads to insomnia, poor health, daytime tantrums, and even nervous breakdowns. They are depressed, afraid to fall asleep, to be alone, they experience severe anxiety.
Read also: Children's fantasies: what role do they play in child development
Why does a child have nightmares: the main reasons
The first fears occur in a child at the age of about 3 years. This is due to the development of the nervous system. Most often, nightmares torment babies & nbsp; 3-5 years old, & nbsp; especially boys. By 6-7 years of age, children begin to become aware of death, which leads to a new wave of anxiety, which can also manifest itself in the form of nightmares. Parents need to be sensitive to the condition of their children, honestly, but gently answering questions about life and death.
If the child's nervous system develops normally and the parents make sure that he/nbsp;feels secure, after 8 years the number of nightmares decreases. By 12 years, children's night terrors usually disappear, and if they appear, then more like adult dreams.
Common causes of childhood nightmares:
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Health problems. These can be organic brain damage, mental disorders, among the symptoms of which are hallucinations, increased anxiety. If a child has nightmares, it is worth taking tests for worm eggs, undergoing a general medical examination.
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Mom's increased anxiety. If the mother is worried, the child reacts to her fears like a sensitive antenna. During sleep, these emotions spill out in the form of nightmares.
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Parents' quarrels. Even if adults never squabble in front of a child, he feels a state of tension, instinctively afraid. It is important that parents give a sense of security, show that nothing threatens the family.
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Heading family environment.Children feel tension between relatives, anxiety, and this affects the quality of sleep.
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The coldness of the parents. If there is no emotional contact, trusting relationship with the parents, the child cannot feel safe.
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Prohibitions and overprotectiveness of adults. Attempts to please parents, "to walk along strings" in order not to cause anger often turn into nightmares for children.
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Mistakes in upbringing.The inconsistency of adults, their increased demands on the child, inconsistency — all this can cause the child's nervousness, terrible dreams.
The psychological state of children directly depends on adults. If parents surround with care, give a sense of security, give the child a lot of attention, it will be much easier to deal with nightmares. Adults must understand that this period will end, show patience and understanding. Right now the child is experiencing fear, needs help and support.
Read also: The child has become capricious: the strategy of parental behavior
How to act for parents: advice from psychologists
If you have a nightmare, you need to calm the child, help get rid of fear and make it clear that you are ready to help in any situation. Use these ways:
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Discuss the dream. Ask the child in detail what he/nbsp;dream was and what emotions he experienced. Ask why he thinks the dream was the way it was. The more attention you give to the conversation, the less likely it is that the nightmare will happen again.
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Think about bedtime rituals. Let it be a warm bath, then a fairy tale, in which terrible images and plots turn into ordinary and not scary. Spend as much time as possible with your child before going to bed, leave a night light on. The baby should feel safe
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Draw nightmares. Have your child draw what scares them. Change the pictures until then they become harmless or funny.
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Add active games to your daily routine. The child should be in the fresh air more, run, swim, play. Stay close to him, try to strengthen the contact. Your task — release the energy of the baby and create a calm and trusting atmosphere.
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Watch the psychological climate in family. If your child has nightmares, it's time to reconsider relations with relatives, stop scandals and "cold wars".
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Don't overfeed your baby at night.The cause of nightmares can be simple — binge eating. Make sure your dinner is neither too big nor too late.
If these methods don't work, or if you have any reason to believe that your baby's health is not in order, make an appointment with a pediatrician, neurologist, or psychologist. What not to do — so is to ignore the fears. Nightmares can take hold, transform and poison the future life, undermine the child's psyche.
Read also: How to put your baby to sleep without unnecessary problems and tantrums
The main thing about causes of childhood nightmares and parental behavior
If your child is having nightmares, don fear yourself. This is a normal stage in the development of the nervous system. It is important not to let everything take its course, to let the baby know that you are near and will support. Proceed like this:
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Calm down. If the child has nightmares, wakes up and is afraid to fall asleep again, ask about scary moments, explain that this is only a dream.
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Think about the ritual of falling asleep. Let the period when the baby is laid down in the crib be 100% predictable and calm.
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Maintain a friendly atmosphere in the family. The kid should feel completely safe.
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Draw your fears. If scary stories are repeated, draw them with child so that they seem funny.
By adolescence, nightmares will disappear. In the meantime, be patient and help your child.
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