My child has nightmares again
In theory, from the age of 4, your child’s sleep is structured like that of an adult. But, the fear of having disappointed you, a problem with a classmate (or his teacher), a family tension (at this age, children capture most of our discussions between adults without having all the keys and draw sometimes terrifying conclusions) can again disturb his nights.
Fear of something unsaid can also manifest itself if the child feels that adults are hiding something from him.
This is why it is essential to put words on these fears.
Draw me a monster!
To help children in the throes of terrifying dreams to free themselves from their infantile fears, psychoanalyst Hélène Brunschwig suggests that they draw them and throw on paper the heads bristling with teeth or the threatening monsters that appear in their dreams and the threatening monsters that appear in their dreams. prevent falling back to sleep. Then she suggests that they store their drawings at the bottom of a drawer so that their fears also remain locked in their office. From drawing to drawing, the nightmares become less frequent and sleep returns!
At this age also the fear of the dark becomes conscious. This is why it may be a good idea to walk around the room and help your child hunt the “monsters” lurking there by identifying all the spooky shapes. Also take the time (even if he is no longer a “baby”!) To accompany him to sleep. Even at 5 or 6 years old, you still need a hug and a story read by mom to chase away her fears!
Medication is not a solution
Without “chemical” side effects, homeopathic medicines can, in some cases, help your child through a period of occasional turbulence. But do not neglect the psychological side effects of these drugs: by giving him the habit of sucking a few granules in the evening in order to ensure a peaceful night, you transmit to him the idea that a drug is part of the bedtime ritual, just like the evening story. This is why any recourse to homeopathy should only be occasional.
But, if their sleep disturbances persist and your child seems to be having terrifying dreams several times a night, then this is a signal for a problem. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor, who may refer you to a psychotherapist in order to release the tension.
To read together To help him tap into his resources to overcome his fears, familiarize him with his fears. The shelves of bookstores are full of books that put children’s fears into stories. – There is a nightmare in my closet, ed. Gallimard youth. – Louise is afraid of the dark, ed. Nathan |