Fearing the dark is something that many parents and children find themselves dealing with at one point or another. Some parents choose to install a nightlight so that their children can sleep at night, but this can cause problems later in life if used for too long. If you are looking to wean your child off of a nightlight, it is not so intimidating if the tips below are considered.
1. Give the Child a Flashlight
When you wish for your child to no longer need a nightlight, it is a good idea to replace it with a small flashlight. This item can be kept under a pillow or on a nightstand; anywhere within easy reach is suitable. Should your child, at any point during the night, suddenly feel afraid or anxious, they can easily bring out their new toy as a form of comfort. To ensure that they use it properly, show your child how the flashlight works and allow them to play around with it.
2. Place a Nightlight in the Bathroom or in a Hallway
Although you may be removing the nightlight from their room, this does not mean that you cannot move it over to another part of the house. Walking around at night can be difficult, especially if the child is very young. They may not be able to find the bathroom, or they could have trouble maneuvering down the hall. To solve this problem, have the nightlight placed in the bathroom or in the hallway outside of their room. There may not be any artificial light in their room, but they can find comfort in knowing that it is not far from where they are.
3. Replace a Nightlight with a Stuffed Animal
Present your child with a stuffed animal and instruct them to hug the toy when they are feeling scared. Instead of running for the light switch or your room, they will turn to their little friend and new companion.
4. Use a Light Dimmer
Many young people have a difficult time dealing with the dark because they are startled by it. To prevent this from happening, use a dimmer to allow the dark to gradually come. It will not be sudden, and they will be less afraid and more prepared as a result.
5. Make Turning off The Light into a Routine
Just as you would include putting on pajamas and brushing teeth in the nightly routine, so should you include turning off the lights.
6. Demonstrate That Nothing Changes When the Lights Are Off
Sit on your child's bed and have your spouse or a loved one turn off the lights. When the child sees that you are still there whether it is light or dark in the room, they will have no reason to be afraid.
1. Give the Child a Flashlight
When you wish for your child to no longer need a nightlight, it is a good idea to replace it with a small flashlight. This item can be kept under a pillow or on a nightstand; anywhere within easy reach is suitable. Should your child, at any point during the night, suddenly feel afraid or anxious, they can easily bring out their new toy as a form of comfort. To ensure that they use it properly, show your child how the flashlight works and allow them to play around with it.
2. Place a Nightlight in the Bathroom or in a Hallway
Although you may be removing the nightlight from their room, this does not mean that you cannot move it over to another part of the house. Walking around at night can be difficult, especially if the child is very young. They may not be able to find the bathroom, or they could have trouble maneuvering down the hall. To solve this problem, have the nightlight placed in the bathroom or in the hallway outside of their room. There may not be any artificial light in their room, but they can find comfort in knowing that it is not far from where they are.
3. Replace a Nightlight with a Stuffed Animal
Present your child with a stuffed animal and instruct them to hug the toy when they are feeling scared. Instead of running for the light switch or your room, they will turn to their little friend and new companion.
4. Use a Light Dimmer
Many young people have a difficult time dealing with the dark because they are startled by it. To prevent this from happening, use a dimmer to allow the dark to gradually come. It will not be sudden, and they will be less afraid and more prepared as a result.
5. Make Turning off The Light into a Routine
Just as you would include putting on pajamas and brushing teeth in the nightly routine, so should you include turning off the lights.
6. Demonstrate That Nothing Changes When the Lights Are Off
Sit on your child's bed and have your spouse or a loved one turn off the lights. When the child sees that you are still there whether it is light or dark in the room, they will have no reason to be afraid.