How to Monster-Proof a Child's Bedroom

Every parent will have to reassure their child at some point that there is not a monster or burglar in the house. Whether in the closet, under the bed or outside the window, these monsters can be quite traumatic for children and parents need to handle the situation compassionately. Taking steps to monster-proof a child's bedroom can help ease fears for many children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Listen to the child and try to determine if there is an actual cause of their fears. Often, a definite sound or shadow will be the source of the monster. Once identified, these can be explained or eliminated.
2. Evaluate daytime play and television viewing to try to determine any sources of nightmares or fears. Monster-proof the child's daytime and their bedtime monsters may disappear as well.
3. Talk with the child about their room being safe from monsters and list deterrents to their entry. Mentioning that monsters would be afraid of the family dog or cat, can be very reassuring.
4. Establish a bedtime routine that includes a story so that the child has positive, non-threatening imagery to reflect upon as they fall asleep.
5. Conduct, if necessary, a nightly pre-bedtime monster check. Using a flashlight, check for monsters under the bed, in closets and other spots. Include the child in this process.
6. Install a night light. Discuss what may scare monsters and have the child design anti-monster posters or traps. A doll or action figure of a favorite hero may also help reassure the child at night.
7. Avoid chasing away monsters because this only confirms to the child that there was a monster to chase away.

Tips & Warnings

• Never ridicule or dismiss a child's fears. Often monsters and other imagined threats are reflections of stress in the child's life.