by Bridget ♥
Member since:
September 18, 2006

Bedtime Chat Today at 9:00PM ET (6 PM PST)– How do you prevent nighttime monsters? Share yours and win 250 Gather Points™ & A Book for your Child!

July 28, 2009 01:12 PM EDT (Updated: July 28, 2009 05:46 PM EDT)
views: 233 | comments: 248

Kids can get scared easily, and often, those fears often travel with them to nightime.  How do you prevent nightime monsters for your kids and put the focus on what matters most at night?

Join me tonight for a live chat at 9:00 PM EST (6:00 PM PST) to discuss how to help your kids avoid nightmares.

  • Do you tell them happy stories before bed?
  • Crawl into bed with them if they have a nightmare?
  • Limit the amount of tv before bed?

 

Join other members within the comment field of this article for a chat tonight from 9:00 - 9:30 PM ET (6:00 PM PST). You'll need to refresh your browser to see new comments. 

Three (3) Gather members will be randomly selected to receive 250 Gather PointsTM.   Two (2) Gather members will also be randomly chosen to receive a children's book!

 

If you can't join us tonight during the chat, please feel free to share your bedtime strategies and tips at any time in the comment section below.

 

Looking for tips to make the most out of bedtime? Join the Special Bedtime Moments group and get tips and advice on how you can make the most of bedtime moments with your kids.

 

 

 

 
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Comments: 248

adamsmommy l. Jul 28, 2009, 1:17pm EDT
I'm going to try to be here tonight!!!
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 1:18pm EDT
I hope you can make it too!
Kelly K ~ ready for the New Year ~ Jul 28, 2009, 1:20pm EDT
I will TRY to be here
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 1:25pm EDT
Hope to talk to you then!
Lori Cee Jul 28, 2009, 1:21pm EDT
we'd finally gotten kiki to stop sucking her thumb. then she had a nightmare and started all over again. i felt so bad for her. it's times like these when you want to hold them and not let go.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 1:26pm EDT
Awww, poor little girl! I totally agree with you and there are times when I do just that!
Vivian P. Jul 28, 2009, 1:22pm EDT
I always assured the boys that nightmares weren't real. Just made up stories in their darling little heads.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 1:26pm EDT
That's a great thing to do!
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Jul 28, 2009, 3:34pm EDT
I am going to try really really hard to be here.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 3:51pm EDT
I'm going to count on you! :)
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Jul 28, 2009, 11:59pm EDT
I am really sorry Bridget I haven't made it to one of these I have had so much go on.
timi A. Jul 28, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
I hope to be there this time.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 5:45pm EDT
I hope you can make it!
timi A. Jul 28, 2009, 5:50pm EDT
I've timed my phone cos i am an hour later your time, so, it would be 8pm for me.
Denise B. Jul 28, 2009, 6:42pm EDT
it would be 7 for me - I'd like to be here - but that is not the best time for me so will have to see. :)
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 6:43pm EDT
It's 6 my time! :) I hope you can make it but if not, I totally understand!
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 6:43pm EDT
Not much longer now, I think I'm going to actually be here for the chat tonight! Yay!
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 6:44pm EDT
I hope you're able to make it tonight!
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 6:53pm EDT
I'm hoping nothing comes up between now and then anyway, fingers and toes crossed!! LOL
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 6:58pm EDT
I know all too well how that can happen!
Larry H. Jul 28, 2009, 6:55pm EDT
thanks for sharing.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 6:59pm EDT
Thanks for stopping by Larry
Rose H. Jul 28, 2009, 7:50pm EDT
I'll drop by for a while tonight.
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 8:13pm EDT
Whew I thought I was late but it looks like I'm really early!
I'll be back in a bit.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 8:49pm EDT
I look forward to this chat.
I have added much in the past and learned a great deal in return.
A big thank you to Gather!
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 8:49pm EDT
I am going to try to stop in tonite.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 8:53pm EDT
almost time
NICOLE D. Jul 28, 2009, 8:57pm EDT
SO EXCITED TO SHARE & DISCUSS THIS TOPIC! CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR WHAT EVERYONE HAS TO SAY.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 8:58pm EDT
Hi Nicole, I'm here too waiting.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 8:58pm EDT
Kids take in so much and their world is both one of reality and make believe.
It sometimes does not take much for their imaginations to run wild.
Nighttime and darkness can only add to this.
Their fear of the dark, monsters, what they saw on TV and the things they hear come into play.
Monitor what they watch at night and limit the sugar in the hours before bedtime.
Let them have some light in their rooms or talk to them.
Tell them that monsters are not real.
But let them believe in fairy tales.
After all, they are kids and they all need that time to grow and experience things.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 8:59pm EDT
I am with you.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 8:59pm EDT
Hello everyone! How are you doing this fine evening?
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:00pm EDT
Now before we go to bed at night, my youngest gets his bath, helps him to relax and of course we lock the doors together, we look under the bed and a nightlight is always left on for him. He tends to get up and walk and talk in his sleep more now than night terrors. We caught him trying to get up and get out of our tent a few weeks ago when we were camping.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
How old is he? Atleast you caught him before he got out of the tent. Atleast when it happens at home, they are pretty safe!
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:28pm EDT
He is 8 years old. My great niece was also with us in our tent and she tried to do the same thing. She is ten, so needless to say I did not sleep well that night. My son will talk and laugh and repeat stuff in his sleep that happened during the day. Kind of funny to watch, but still kind of scarey to think of him possibly getting out the door w/o me knowing it.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:01pm EDT
Think of what we were afraid of at their ages.
How did we deal with things?
The truth can work wonders when our kids know that mom and dad went through the same things as they are going through.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:01pm EDT
hi Bridget. doing good. Getting caught up on a little housework this evening so I will be here for only a few minutes.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
Happy books and thoughts work too.
Let them drift off with good thoughts and dreams.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
I did want to stop in very briefly. Another thing that helps my little guy is I let him watch some good cartoons before falling asleep.
Denise B. Jul 28, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
hey i remembered
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
YAY!
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
Reading stories are a great idea.
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
Hello everyone.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
It is good to get in bed with kids at night, but it can become a habit which is not good.
We need to let kids deal with things on their own as well.
Amanda J. Jul 28, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
I agree, it really depends on their age as well. A 4 or 5 year old yes, but a 12 year old should NOT have a parent get in bed with them. They need to learn to be independant at some point.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
We always read stories before bedtime, or make up and tell each other stories!
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
We do to! We always read or tell fun and happy stories never anything sad or scary.
April H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
I think stories before bedtime is great!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
We read stories and sometimes make up funny ones. We have to be careful or the kids get hiccups :)
April H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
Hi everyone! My daughter doesn't have nightmares as far as I know....
I think having the 30 minute wind-down before bedtime helps!
Amanda J. Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
I don't put any kids to sleep (unless you count the 18+ 4 year olds I put to sleep for nap). :)
Carla B. Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
I can't stay for very long tonight. It's almost bedtime at my house. :) We've been at the fair all day today, so Elliott is eating his snack right now with Daddy, and then it's teeth brushing, story time, and then finally sleep time.
April H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
Little Miss is already in bed!
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:03pm EDT
Happy thoughts at bedtime help encourage happy dreams.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
How is everyone doing tonight?
Denise B. Jul 28, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
my daughter used to have terrible nightmares - then one day I got the bright idea tohave a protective "monster under the bed" we gave him a name and he became her nighttime protector. It worked better than any other thing we tried
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
Hello everyone!
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
We have an open door policy at our house. IF our kids get scared, they are always welcome to crawl into bed with us!

A secret part of me enjoys it when they crawl in bed with me and we get to snuggle!
NICOLE D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:21pm EDT
I agree with you 100% as a mother.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
Do your kids get nightmares?
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
Whenever my daughter would have nightmares, I would let her come into bed with me. Back then I'd never heard of co-sleeping and it was never a problem back then for me.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
I always tell him I love him and kiss him goodnight too and don't let the bed bugs bite too. He always laughs at that because he knows they do not exist.
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
When my grandsons get nightmares its different now though. The oldest always slept with his mother and the youngest always sleeps with his mother.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
Sometimes nightmares can be hard to deal with.
That goes for both us and the kids.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
I'm lucky that my children have never had any big issues with nightmares, they have always slept well!

Chandler started sleeping through the night when he was just 9 days old!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:10pm EDT
Wow, that's great!!
Dawn Meehan Aug 5, 2009, 12:15am EDT
I USED to like you, Bridget. You do realize that's like telling people, "I lost all my baby weight by the time I left the hospital," don't you?
;)
Bridget ♥ Aug 5, 2009, 12:22am EDT
LOL, you're not the only one that hates me for that!
Shannon W Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
Hello everyone!
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
Branson seems to like getting in bed with us too. We can usually get him out though before he falls asleep. He seems to think that is his time with us right before night time.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
When my daughter was having nightmares, my son made pictures of crosses and holy thoughts. He hung them on her walls and it ended the scary dreams :) I thought that was so sweet...
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
Awww, that's so very sweet!
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
That is sweet and a really good idea. It's sort of backs up the faith too which is a great idea!
Shannon W Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
My kids thankfully have nightmares almost never.
Carla B. Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
My son doesn't ever have nightmares when he's in his own bed. His nightmares have always happened in hotels and at my parents' house, so we've always been in the room with him, and just invited him into bed with us and that helps.
Denise B. Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
my son doesn't really get many but we let him inherit my daughter's monster and he really liked that - funny but I can't rememberhis name right now... Hummmm
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
If you use GoodNites or just want to try them, you can get a FREE sample! You can get a FREE sample of GoodNites Boxers and/or GoodNites Underpants!
adamsmommy l. Jul 28, 2009, 9:10pm EDT
I haven't got my box yet, but hoping soon!
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:13pm EDT
Thanks. My sil should own stock in GoodNites! LOL
This product wasn't around with her first son but has really been a help with her youngest as they are bigger boys and diapers really weren't an option as they got older.
Dawn Meehan Aug 5, 2009, 12:21am EDT
Yes! GoodNites are great! I just bought some for my 5-year-old who was completely potty trained day and night, but who has recently been having some nighttime wetting issues.
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
Do you tell them happy stories before bed?
Yes. We never read sad or scary stories especially not before bed.
Shannon W Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
My oldest son did have some a couple of weeks back. Because we have a small house, he sleeps in the same room as I do. He asked if he could get down from his bunk bed and if he could sleep with me the rest of the night so of course I said yes.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
If one of them has a bad dream, we crawl in their bed and cuddle for a few minutes. That usually relaxes them right back to sleep so we can return to our own bed :)
NICOLE D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
This is always a great technique! They will feel comfortable & safe. As soon they will be cozy enough to go back to sleep. And it's always great to reassure them you love them & their safe.
NICOLE D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
TO HELP AVOID NIGHTMARES, I STAY WITH THE SAME BEDTIME EVERY NIGHT FOR MY SON, HE ALSO SLEEPS WITH HIS BEAR FOR COMFORT, AS HE SEE HIS BEAR AS HIS BUDDY ANYWAYS, SO IT MAKES HIME FEEL SAFE LIKE HE HAS A FRIEND THEIR WITH HIM. I ALSO AVOID ANYTHING SCARY, LIKE STORIES, MOVIES, ANYTHING ON TV BEFORE BED. ALSO EVERYONE KNOWS A NIGHTLIGHT ALWAYS HELPS, OR EVEN KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN MAKES THEM FEEL CLOSER TO YOU. IF MY SON DOES WAKE UP WITH A NIGHTMARE, I WILL TAKE HIM BACK TO BED & LAY WITH HIM UNTIL HE FEELS COMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO GO BACK TO SLEEP. WHAT ALSO HELPS IS WHEN IN DISCUSSION OR WHILE BOOK-READING, TO EXPLAIN FANTASY FROM REALITY. ALSO SOMETIMES WHAT MAY MAKE YOUR CHILD SCARED IS DARK SHADOWS THAT MIGHT CREATE SUSPICIOUS SHAPES, SO USING A NIGHTLIGHT HELPS LIKE I SAID, OR LEAVING THEM WITH A FLASH LIGHT BY THEIR BED HELPS ALSO. JUST ALWAYS LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE SAFE & IT'S ABSOLUTELY OKAY TO GO BACK TO SLEEP.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:09pm EDT
We believe in a consistent bedtime and a nightlight too. They always have their teddies too :)
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
When the boys get nightmares, we cuddle and soothe them. Talk softly. If its a really bad nightmare, sometimes we watch their favorite cartoon on DVD. And yes, I mean at 2 or 3 AM, I will do that. That's just for the 7 year old though. He sleeps alone in his bedroom.
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT

Crawl into bed with them if they have a nightmare?

This really hasn't been an issue. We've been so fortunate as that our daughter hasn't had trouble with nightmares.
Amanda J. Jul 28, 2009, 9:07pm EDT
Has anyone had a problem with their children wetting the bed? One little boy today woke up, then a few minutes later told me, "Oh, I peed my pants. I thought that was a dream." He has never had a problem before. I don't know if it was because I let him sleep longer (since he was kind of cranky today).
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:09pm EDT
I have heard of others dreaming they were going to the bathroom and wetting the bed.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:10pm EDT
Luckily I've never had that issue on a regular basis. there have been a couple of times where the kids were just SO tired, from a long day, that they did wet the bed.

It happens!
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
I've heard of that as well and think it is much more likely in boys.
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:12pm EDT
Years ago, I actually did that myself. I was an adult too. But it was just a one time thing so maybe your boy won't do it again.
Amanda J. Jul 28, 2009, 9:12pm EDT
It was actually kind of cute. He woke up MUCH sweeter than when he went to sleep.
Dawn Meehan Aug 5, 2009, 12:26am EDT
I've had kids who have wet now and then out of the blue. I don't make a big deal of it. I let them know it's ok and I'm not mad. It happens.
It's kind of funny how he thought it was a dream. I've had dreams before where I just can't find a bathroom. I search frantically and can't find a bathroom anywhere. I usually wake up having to go.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
Free sample fo Good Nights, that is way cool. I don't need them anymore though thank God.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
I found that buying their favorite cereal and letting them know that it is theirs in the morning can ease any nighttime problem.
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT

Limit the amount of tv before bed?
No not really but never watch anything violent or scary.
Shannon W Jul 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
My oldest and I talk a bit before he goes to sleep. My youngest son and I have a routine. He has pdd on the autism scale so he doesn't understand stuff quite the way other kids do in many things. Before we go to bed I'll say "Say.... I love you Momma." and he will. Sometimes he'll say "I love you Chase (my oldest son)" then "Noooo... " giggle giggle "I love you Momma" and I'll repeat it with him.
April H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
These are my typical steps in banishing the nighttime monsters.
Firstly, I think about my child's bedtime routine. Not the actual moment of getting into bed, but the last three hours before there bedtime. It is commonsense to ensure that they aren't watching anything unsuitable on TV, and I make their bath-time a peaceful time and fun and LAST BUT NOT LEAST I make sure that the bedtime story is relaxing.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
You have to be careful what kids watch on TV or read. The school had them reading Scholastic Goosebumps books and they would try to catch them on TV. They were giving them nightmares so we stopped them...
adamsmommy l. Jul 28, 2009, 9:09pm EDT
We love to ready stories before bedtime. my son loves Dr. Suess right now.
April H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:09pm EDT
I remember someone on here posting about how they had an anti-monster spray that they made with lavender oil, water, and glitter. Sounded like a great idea to me!
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:10pm EDT
I think that is a great idea April. I am going to remember that if we have those kinds of problems.
Shannon W Jul 28, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
That is a great idea.
Bridget ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
I remember reading that too! It's such a CUTE and unique idea!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:12pm EDT
Lavender is aromatherapy, too. Naturally relaxes them. We used to give them lavender baths as little ones and it worked like a charm
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:12pm EDT
I like that idea too!!
adamsmommy l. Jul 28, 2009, 9:14pm EDT
that is a cute idea ~ my son would love it!
NICOLE D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:14pm EDT
THIS IS A CUTE WAY! I LOVE IT! THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT CRAFTY THING TO MAKE TOGETHER WITH MY SON. GREAT IDEA!
April H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:09pm EDT
We have also placed a statue of an angel to watch over them by the bedstand.
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:13pm EDT
That's a good idea and also reinforces the faith too!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:13pm EDT
My son sleeps with his Bible and rosary beads on the night table. I know he read or saw something scary when he brings them into bed. Once it was a witches and goblins story they were reading in school around Halloween.
April H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:14pm EDT
That's a great idea!
♥¤ J K¤ ♥ Jul 28, 2009, 9:10pm EDT
We love the movie Monster's Inc and I think it helped my dd a lot. The idea of monsters being scared of kids. Well.....You gotta love it. After all who can argue with the line from the movie "kids are toxic"? LOL
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:14pm EDT
Oh yeah, that's a good point!!
Shannon W Jul 28, 2009, 9:10pm EDT
My middle son has his comfort zone. He sleeps with piles of stuffed elephants all around him. He used to have a tent but when the boys destroyed the bunk bed over the course of a couple of years (image three boys climbing all over it, it didn't have a chance!), we had to remove the top part so the tent wasn't able to hang on anything anymore. Luckily he has gone through that transition ok.
George Vreeland Hill . Jul 28, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
Yes, bad dreams are a worry too.
At least when they wake, those dreams are over.
A real talking works and letting them know that even adults get them as well.
NICOLE D. Jul 28, 2009, 9:13pm EDT
Yes! This helps also!
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
I don't have nightmares much myself anymore thank goodness. In fact, I rarely remember any of my dreams.
Pam H. Jul 28, 2009, 9:13pm EDT
Teresa, I don't know what I was dreaming Sunday night but I woke myself up crying out I want to go home. Not sure where I was in my dream. Can't remember. But I too have nightmares. My husband woke me up a few weeks ago because I was crying then too.
Teresa W. Jul 28, 2009, 9:15pm EDT
Those kinds of dreams are so hard to handle.