Helping Your Big Kid Find Peace at Bedtime

Helping your "big kid" navigate nighttime fears requires a delicate balance of empathy and reality. Between the ages of three and six, a child’s imagination develops faster than the brain's logical centers, making it difficult for them to separate fantasy from reality.

While it is tempting to use "monster spray," this actually validates the fear by suggesting a real threat exists. Instead, ground your child in the safety of their environment through daytime play and evening "I'll be back" check-ins. By staying anchored in the truth—that their room is a safe, family-only space—you help their developing brain bridge the gap between magical thinking and security.