How to stop a 3 year old being scared of monsters.

1. 59

   top-bannanaposted 14 years ago

   How to stop a 3 year old being scared of monsters.
   
   how do you stop a 3 year old being scared of monsters, we tried sprinkling monster dust and leaving light on but still she thinks there's monsters in her bed?

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2. 68

   Gabby Gposted 14 years ago

   if your a christian then rebuke the spirit of fear. lots of little kids are tormented by fears of monsters being in thier room. then tell your daughter that Jesus will throw that monster in the garbage can. it helps if you get her to say this, it will empower her. tell her that God is bigger than the boogie man. theres actually a veggie tales song about this.maybe you can play the cd softly in her room. she is only three so maybe sleep in there with her until she falls asleep. or get a flashlight and you and her can search the room so she can see for herself that there is nothing under her bed.

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3. 59

   top-bannanaposted 14 years ago

   thanks gabby g i'll try that, I do sleep with her when she is scared and leave a light on for her and try to talk her through it, she will go to sleep but it just worries me a little.  Bless her.  Thank you though for your ideas.  Will let you know how it works.

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4. 60

   duffsmomposted 14 years ago

   By sprinkling monster dust, you have confirmed the possibility of monsters in her room.  Be patient, it is normal at this age to think about monsters etc.
   
   Be sure there is nothing on TV to reinforce it, nothing in her picture books etc.  Be kind and patient, and tell her that you understand how she feels and what would she like to do about what she is feeling.  A light on, a dog on her bed, what would make her feel safe (of course reassure her how safe she is)?  Allow her to have some control over the situation.
   
   A lot of it stems for daily stimulation, the fact that she is tiny and has to be in a room by herself when mom and dad have that big cozy bed.
   
   My unpopular answer would be to get in bed with her until she is asleep.
   
   And I know this is hard, but she will outgrow it.

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5. 61

   Leslynposted 14 years ago

   When my son was little he also had nightmares about monsters and while it is somewhat of an age appropriate fear for a 3 year old, if it is disturbing, you should try and mitigate the fears. In my son's case, I realized that his bedtime stories were old fairytales - most of which included some bad guy in the story (Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, etc - he is 27 today) so when we changed the stories, his nightmares stopped. Find books that depict monster characters in warm and loving ways.  Little Critters are good for that because the illustrations 'look like monsters' but are gentle and kind. Goodnight Little Monster is another good book.  Hope this helps.

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6. 93

   jpcmcposted 14 years ago

   The idea of monsters and fearing them is a conditioned response from their environment.  They are often fed ideas of monster that they should fear.  Provide something empowering for her to do like praying, a special chant or "magic words".  You can also do an ocular inspection just to reinforce the idea that there's no monster. Leaving the light on can be a start but a small night light will be better.  Also try to discourage others from scaring the child with ideas of monsters. 
   
   At 3 they will believe anything and fear anything they are programed to believe or fear.   
   
   Good luck.

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