Being scared of the dark is a very common thing for children (and let’s be real, for adults as well). There is something so disarming about not being able to see very well, and when you have a great imagination, as children often do, those shadows in the room can quickly become very VERY scary monsters. Here’s what has worked for us to nip our 3 1/2 year old’s fear in the bud.
1. Monsters have been officially banned from our city. This is one of our favorite stories to tell Darah before bed. It is an intricate tale Tim has spun, all about the time that Darah’s PaPa (that’s my dad) came to Chattanooga and fought off all of the monsters, and then banned them from ever returning. She gets a kick out of the story, and it gives her a lot of peace of mind to know that it just isn’t possible for monsters to be not only in her house, but anywhere in the whole city. After all, the Mole Kings of Lookout Mountain stay on guard to make sure no monsters sneak in (told you it was an intricate story!).
2. Name objects in the room with the lights on. This has been one of the most helpful things we’ve done, for sure! Darah seems especially frightened by the shadows cast in her closet, which doesn’t have a door on it to maximize space. We take just a moment to point out the items in her closet and exactly what they are so she can see them. Then we turn off the light and show her how it looks different. Then turn the light back on again and continue pointing out other “questionable” objects until she is satisfied. After we did this a few days in a row, she doesn’t ask for us to do this very often anymore. Highly effective!
3. Empower your child with a portable nightlight. Darah has been using the Munchkin Light My Way Light and absolutely loving it. Not only does it have cute owl design that is fun, but it also has a handle so she can tote it around. She not only has it in her bed at night time, but she also using it in her forts throughout the day or when she is pretending to explore underwater caverns like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Darah can turn on the light, which has a soft glow, any time she is feeling unsure. It seems to give her a lot of peace of mind, and empowers her to help herself feel better rather than relying on grownups to come in the room and reassure her. In short, it is a very powerful tool, and for the help it provides, it is a complete steal at $11.99 at Target and it is also available on Amazon.
If your little one is scared of the dark, I encourage you to give these tactics a try. They have helped us tremendously so that night time is no longer a cause for anxiety, and that is making everyone in the house rest a bit easier.
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I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Lily Kwan says
I would like to see a review of the SpongeBob SquarePants White Hot Safety SunBlock Shade.
holly says
i also like the Fresh Food Chopper & Steamer
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http://www.munchkin.com/hello-kitty-straw-cup
Rochel S says
The Safe Step™ Gate with TripGuard™
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Click Lock™ Food Pouch Spoon Tips
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Fresh Food Chopper & Steamer.
meme says
The fresh food chopper and steamer and the star fountain which is so cute
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Fresh Food Chopper & Steamer is amazing!
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i would love for you to review the star fountain
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Sesame Street® Teether Babies
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Arm & Hammer Munchkin Diaper Pail
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I’d like to see their new Fresh Food Chopper and Steamer reviewed.
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safety gates
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Adjustable Backseat Mirror
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sprout drying rack
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The Mozart Magic® Cube
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Star fountain
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the star fountain
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I’d love to see you review the Auto Close Metal Gate.
Thanks for the chance.
Ann Council says
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I would like to see the cute Bath Tea and Cupcake Set reviewed.
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The Steam Guard™ Microwave Sterilizer
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the deluxe potty seat, I’ve got potty training grandsons right now lol.
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Mozart Magic Cube
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Arm & Hammer™ Diaper Pail by Munchkin
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SaraBear® Toy Organizer
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Lulla-Vibe™ Vibrating Mattress Pad
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bath tea & cupcake set
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The star fountain please!
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Sheryl says
I would like you to review the Safe Step Gate with TripGurard.
polly says
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Mozart Magic® Cube.
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Arm & Hammer™ Natural Fit Potty
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http://www.munchkin.com/deluxe-mattress-pad-micro-pillow-technology
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STAR FOUNTAIN bath toy:)
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I’d like to see the Arm & Hammer diaper pail!
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I love the STAR FOUNTAIN bath toy:)
jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
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Arm & Hammer diaper pail
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Corner Bath Organizer
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Bath Tea and Cupcake Set
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the diaper pail
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http://www.munchkin.com/traveling-flash-cards
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the bath tea and cupcake set
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The Fresh Food Grinder!
Veronica R says
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Michelle M says
one of their baby gates
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the star fountain looks really neat, review it!
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the star fountain!!
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A Travel Tray review would be great
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the food steamer
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Fresh baby food system
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funpack harness
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Travel tray
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The bath boat!
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I would like the Bath Tea and Cupcake Set to be reviewed
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I think the Toddler plates are really cute. I wonder if they’re durable as well.
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Kimberly says
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Sarah says
Something from their potty line.
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Sarah G says
Safe Step Gate with TripGuard.
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Traveling Flash cards http://www.munchkin.com/traveling-flash-cards
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The star fountain!
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The deluxe mattress pad with micropillow technology.
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Monique Rizzo says
The star fountain.
Thanks for the chance.
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D SCHMIDT says
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The traveling flash cards!
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The auto seat protector.
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Adjustable Backseat Mirror
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The. Star fountain
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