How can I help my 6 year old with nightmares

By martha heineman pieper and jo gershman, or brave little monster by ken baker.My 6 year old is having nightmares.My son, who just turned 6, complains of frequent nightmares, is scared to go downstairs to his room on his own and also is irritable/easily angered at home.I have an appointment with a paediatrician who specialises in depression and anxiety in children but it's still 8 weeks away.Night terrors are an inherited disorder in which a child tends to have dreams during deep sleep and it's hard to waken them.

The predictably of a bedtime routine helps calm fears and prepares kids for sleep.How common are nightmares in children?My 6 year old daughter has always been a slightly anxious child.During the teen and young adult years, girls appear to have nightmares more often than boys do.Younger kids are likely to have nightmares about being separated from their caregivers or seeing a monster.

My 6 month old regularly wakes after an hour (used to be half an hour) after being put to bed in the evening (7pm).Exercising during the day — but don't work out right before going to bed.Cutting out caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes (especially late in the day).Avoid all digital devices for at least an hour before bed, preferably two hours.Your child may have only a few scary dreams.

And after a nightmare, try to put your daughter back to sleep in her own bed.Most children experience nightmares from time to time.Setting a regular sleep schedule.While most children eventually outgrow their nightmares, some may develop nightmare disorder 2, a condition characterized by recurring unpleasant or frightening dreams that cause sleep disturbances.Since starting kindergarten her anxiety seems to have gotten worse.

She wakes up hysterical, crying, tears and its a struggle to calm her down.