CHILDREN WITH NIGHTMARES NEED DREAMAGIC^®

Experts:

Excerpted from the Encyclopedia of Children’s Health:
“Teaching the child simple relaxation skills through guided imagery will provide a valuable self-help resource that may minimize bed-time anxiety. Older children can be encouraged to connect with an "inner guide" as a source of strength when they are awakened by frightening dreams. Inner guides may take the form of a loving voice within that the child can listen for during times of fear or a beloved animal that they may call upon as a companionable inner helper when dealing with problems presented in scary dreams.”


Excerpted from the Children’s Physician Network under Sleep, Nightmares:
“How Can I Help My Child”……” help him imagine a good ending to the bad dream. Encourage your child to use a strong person or a magic weapon to help him overcome the bad person or event in the dream”…..


Anne Sayre Wiseman in her book Nightmare Help A Guide for Parents and Teachers:
Ms. Wiseman suggests that parents approach the nightmare as a dream story with a problem to be solved. Parents who act as dream guides can help their children to find their own solution to the dream problem. The parents' goal, Wiseman counsels, is to "encourage autonomy so the child learns to empower themselves at whatever level they can handle."


Excerpted from Web.md children’s health:
"When we give our children reassurance and encouragement to explore creative solutions to dream dilemmas, we restore their ability to play with the images in their nightmares rather than feeling threatened or demoralized. These assertiveness skills carry over into future dream confrontations and lead to greater confidence to face waking challenges"……


Excerpted from “Dreamcatching” by Alan Siegel and Kelly Bulkeley:
…..”parents can coach their children to assert their magic powers and tame the frights of the night”…..


***Note: Experts recommend that if a child's nightmares increase in frequency and intensity, you may wish to consult a physician or pediatrician to determine if the sleep disruption is due to any injury, illness or other serious problem.***