Ease those nighttime scares with a flashlight.
Forget the big monster battle. Just arm your kid with a flashlight. A basic, $5 one from the hardware store is all you need. Hand it over, and watch them transform into a brave explorer. 'Monsters aren’t fans of light,' you might casually mention, watching the fear fade.
Nightlights can help too (those plug-in star projectors are a hit around here). But remember, a flashlight lets them be the hero, shining their own light into the darkness.
Why closets and monsters?
Kids have wild imaginations, which is great until bedtime. At night, when shadows stretch across the room and the house creaks, their minds fill in the blanks. Monsters are a common culprit because they blend mystery with a little bit of make-believe (and a dash of the unknown).
Solutions That Work
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Monster Check: Before lights out, do a quick monster sweep. Open the closet together and 'check' for anything suspicious. Your child might even say, 'Mom, I hear them!' That’s your cue for a dramatic 'Nope, all clear.' These checks might feel silly, but they work.
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Monster Spray: Fill an empty spray bottle with 'Monster Repellent' (a.k.a. water with a drop of lavender oil). Let your child spray it in the closet and under the bed. It’s surprisingly effective, mostly because it gives them control over the situation.
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Talk It Out: If fears persist, chat about them during daylight. Ask, 'What do you think the monster looks like?' Drawing it together can make those fears shrink. (Or maybe create a story where the monster turns into a friend? Sounds odd, but it works.)
What It Looks Like in Real Life
One evening, as the clock ticked towards 7:45, my youngest wouldn't settle, convinced there was a 'big, green monster' lurking. Out came the flashlight and the monster spray. After a thorough 'inspection,' she giggled her way into bed. The relief on both our faces was, dare I say, palpable.
I’d love to tell you the fear vanished overnight, but, well, I’d be lying. It took a few nights of diligent monster patrols. (I still mess up and occasionally forget. Then it's back to square one.)
A Small Step to Try Tonight
Hand them a flashlight before bed. It might sound too simple to work, but you'll be surprised how that small action turns night terrors into bedtime laughs. This won’t fix everything, but it’s a start.