THERE IS NOT
A MONSTER
UNDER MY BED
A Children's Story About Inspiring Kids to be Brave
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ABOUT THE BOOK!
When the lights go out at night, Noah’s imagination takes over, and he’s convinced monsters are hiding in his room. But what if bedtime could be an exciting adventure instead of something to fear?
Dive into this fun and interactive picture book, packed with adorable illustrations and a clever trick to help kids conquer their fear of the dark, making lights out a breeze!
Helping children manage their fear of the dark and learn to sleep independently is essential to their emotional and psychological development. When parents support their children through this process, it addresses immediate concerns and fosters long-term resilience, confidence, independence, and a sense of security.
Fear is a common and natural phase of development often linked to their growing imagination and limited understanding of the world around them. As their cognitive abilities develop, so does their capacity to imagine things that aren’t real, such as monsters or other frightening creatures lurking in the shadows. Additionally, nighttime represents a separation from parents and the comfort of daylight, which can be unsettling for young children.
When children are afraid of the dark, you can use many tools to help them manage this emotion, such as:
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Create a consistent bedtime routine that could include reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to soft music (having a predictable and calming bedtime routine provides structure and reassurance, plus it helps to wind kids down)
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Gradually desensitize the darkness (for example, start with a nightlight, flashlight, or a halfway open door and progressively reduce the light over time). Allowing kids to adjust to the darkness at their own pace.
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Use comfort objects to empower and soothe your child (like a stuffed animal or blanket) to provide a sense of security and control.
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Teach relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, to calm their mind before sleep. This can reduce anxiety and help them settle more easily.
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Encourage kids to think of a happy place or favorite memory as they drift off to sleep, focusing on positive thoughts instead of their fears.
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Provide reassurance without overindulging (validate their feelings, but avoid staying in their room until they fall asleep every night. Instead, gradually reduce your presence so they learn to fall asleep independently).
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Talk about it! During the day, encourage kids to express what scares them and work together to address those concerns. Let them know that being afraid is normal and that there are many tools they can try to handle this feeling over time.
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Encourage them with a reward chart (with or without a physical prize or treat). You can grab the 'Bravery Tracking Reward Chart' below for free, print it at home, and help your child fill it each day they felt afraid of the dark but managed their feelings well. You can either mark each slot with an X, or kids can let their imagination run wild and draw objects they think each monster is made of (or use the space to create their unique monster):
Should I do a 'monster spray' recipe to banish monsters from the room?
Some parents create a “monster spray” (a simple spray bottle filled with water, sometimes with glitter, food coloring, or other additions) that the child can use to “banish” any imaginary creatures before bedtime, turning fear into a game. However, many psychologists do not recommend this technique because it implies that the monsters are real and that if you run out of spray, they might come into the room.
By taking a thoughtful, gradual approach to helping children manage their fear of the dark and learn to sleep independently, parents can support their children’s emotional growth and ensure they develop healthy sleep habits. This process not only improves sleep quality but also builds confidence and resilience, equipping children with the tools they need to face challenges both at night and during the day.
'There Is Not A Monster Under My Bed: A Children's Story About Inspiring Kids to be Brave' will provide both parents and children with tools to manage this emotion and it will be available in multiple formats and languages.
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#emotions #fearofthedark #afraidofthedark #sel #handlingemotions #imagination #parenting101 #momlife #growinguptoofast #grouwingup #managingemotions
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