Nightmares? - San Antonio,TX

We used to do that as children also. With our kids we do not let them in our bed. We put them on a pallet next to the bed. This is not as cozy as their bed (or Ours). We then talk to them the next morning about If they stay in their own bed all night, we will have a popcorn & movie Party with them Friday night ( a reward). But, My parents just let us get in their bed and we always woke up in our own. Even if it was 2 times a night we always woke up in our own bed, which really made it not worth our while, so we quit getting in their bed. Also, when our oldest started doing this nightmare business, we started turning off the T.V. at least 45 minutes before bed and having her color instead.

I would assume that she's really scared. Why would she wake up screaming at 3am to manipulate you? It doesn't really sound fun for her either. I suggest telling her some things to boost her feelings of security. For example, tell her that you are always there for her and won't let anything happen to her. Her bed is the safest place in the whole house for her to be. Teach her some simple prayers for protection and tell her to repeat them whenever she is afraid. Have her focus on thoughts of her favorite things...tell her "Let's think about beautful butterflys, red ones, pink, purple. She needs some tools and techniques to use to help her cope with her feelings.

This time of year scary images are everywhere and just because we are numb to it doesn't mean our little ones are. She may just be more sensitive and creative to let it lead her mind to upsetting thoughts. I think your first step to solve this is to acknowledge and believe her when she says she's afraid. From there you can let her know what kind of things you do when you are afraid to feel better.

Blessings

A long time ago another mom told me about this secret.

Have you tried "dream coins"? Tell your daughter you have 2 "Dream Coins" for her. She needs to place them under her pillow right before she goes to bed. These magical coins will help to keep the bad dreams away. Worked for our daughter like a charm. One time I was changing her sheets and she had tons of coins in her bed. She said that one night she started to feel "really, really scared" so she put a "bunch" of dream coins under her pillow and it kept the bad feelings from coming.

We used quarters, so that we always had a replacement if the originals were lost or we were traveling.