Games and videos can be nightmares at bedtime

IF YOUR is child dragging out bedtime, then maybe you need to consider the following. A day doesn’t go by in my clinic that I don’t see a child, whether aged two or 12, who is struggling with going to bed.

The excuses start. “I need a drink of water ... I need you to lay down with me ... I need the light on ...” Bedtime can drag on for hours.

Parents get exhausted and exasperated. They tell their kids firmly, “To go to bed”.

When I have time to quietly chat with their child, who is fighting and dragging out bedtime, they share with me that they are worried about going to sleep.

This soon opens up the topic of bad dreams and nightmares. They worry if they go to sleep they will have bad dreams.

I ask them what their bad dreams are about. Usually most children do not want to talk about those dreams – and this is definitely a sign they need to talk about it. and surprised by this list. I see this every day.

We then discuss what to do, how to monitor the content and how to reduce their child’s bedtime anxiety and resolve the fears.

And, yes, these games can be their favourites. Coincidentally, as we talk it comes out that the children also do not want to go downstairs or upstairs by themselves, or go to the toilet or have a bath on their own.

The parents have not linked the child’s need for company to being scared.

If you would like the list of scary shows and ideas on how to help your child, have a look at an article on my website: babysmiles. com. au