(no subject)

[xxmadsenxx]

I need a little parenting advice...

For the past couple weeks or so my 2 1/2 year old son has been having nightmares a few times a week. I don't know what to do about it. When he wakes up I'll read him stories until he goes back to sleep and then he's usually fine, but now he insists on sleeping with the light on. Sometimes he'll want to come sleep with me after he has a bad dream. I know a lot of kids go through a phase like that...but I wish there was something I could do. :\

Comments

[epiphany-of-luv.livejournal.com]

My (ex) step-daughter used to have a lot of problems with sleeping when we first got custody of her. I think part of it was that her life had changed so dramatically and those little brains don't know how to process all of it.
Think about everything that has changed in your life - those things also affect your son. You could do things like go to the store and pick out a special night light that he can have on in his room and make sure he has a favorite blanky or stuffed animal to sleep with.
Do you know what he's dreaming about?
All you can do, is do your best.

[lovestohateyou.livejournal.com]

aww poor little dude! he's only a little older than joey. i bet he's adorable...you should share pictures sometime!

i think the nightlight is a good idea. or a special lamp with a really dim lightbulb. i also think it's ok to let him get in bed with you. i'd try talking to him about his dreams...is he able to communicate them to you? hopefully this phase will pass soon. do you think he's able to sense your anxiety about everything going on?

[sariebeth88.livejournal.com]

Well I'm young enough to be able to remember my phase, so I needed a night light and to sleep with the door open. Now I can't sleep with the door open or any light! Crazy how we grow out of things.

[pour-etre-belle.livejournal.com]

I think a small night light would be fine... but I think just being there for him and reading him stories is the best possible thing for him. It reinforces that you are there for him and that he is a priority to you. Maybe he doesn't get that from his mom. But I would try to not let him in the bed, it may become a habit and then you might have a 7 year old sleeping in your bed.

Maybe try to stay with him in his room until he falls asleep? It would reinforce him feeling safe in his own room. I would also be scared that he might only feel safe in your room not his own.