“How do you help a child with nightmares?”
My child is 5 years old and has nightmares constantly. We adopted her a few months ago if that means anything. How do you help a child with nightmares?
4 Answers
Yes may be he has traumatized past which needs to be expolred
From my experience, play/art therapy works best with children of this age for most mental health related challenges they experience. How much do you know about your child's history prior to adoption? This history might play a crucial role in his/her nightmares as a result of trauma he/she might have experienced, especially if it happened during pre-verbal age. Our bodies keep the score of our past traumatic experience(s).
Hello and thank you for your question. It is important to ask them about their dream; however if they don't feel comfortable talking about it give them a means of drawing or writing it to the best of their ability. If the nightmares continue it may be beneficial to seek a child therapist that specializes in play therapy and trauma. Best wishes and warm regards.
Usually nightmares occur in lighter sleep Sometimes giving benadryl at night can get her into deeper sleep and help the nightmares. Also reassure her and get into a bedtime routine. Bath, read a book, and get into bed without electronics or tv.
