Bad dream help please!

[laurietg]

Two nights ago my DD3 had a dream that our house was on fire and Binney-her favourite stuffed animal-couldn't get out. Last night she was terrified to go to sleep because she didn't want to have another bad dream. She asked question after question about fires. I told her that we have fire alarms to keep us safe and that Mommy and Daddy would always protect her. She didn't buy it. She was still scared that a fire was going to start while we were sleeping. Eventually I told her that a fire could never start in our house because we don't have a fireplace or logs. You need a fireplace and logs to make a fire. She eventually fell asleep-but woke up every 1/2 hour or so. She would wake up crying begging us to take her outside so she wouldn't get caught in a fire. Then she had a series of different bad dreams-a man came and threw her toys in the toilet and others. I don't know what to do. I have explained to her that dreams are not real, but she keeps saying it felt so real.

 

[kdibattista]

Awww... poor thing

 

[The Mystery Machine]

At 3 you can't reason this out with her, she does not have the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality. So....you have to get creative.
Do things to make her feel "in-control" and powerful.

Go to a firehouse and get some brochures or have her speak with a fireman.
Practice a "fire-drill" at home with your family. (We all do that, right?)
I am sure there are other small things you can do to get her confidence back.

My 9yodd has had bad dreams 2 nights in a row. It is only now at this age I can say "go back to bed". Last year, probably not.

 

[golfgal]

I agree, the more she knows about fires, prevention, exits, etc. the more comfortable she will be. It is important that they also see and learn what a fireman looks like in their gear because if you ever DO have a fire, that is who will come through her window to get her. Most fire stations will give you a tour and have great information.

Keep this in the back of your mind for when she is in about first grade and afraid of severe weather too, same thing, teach her about thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes if appropriate. Knowledge does a lot to calm fears.

 

[laurietg]

I took your advice, and really explained things to her yesterday. This morning she said she only had good dreams. Thanks!!!

 

[MAKmom]

The other thing to keep in mind is where did she get this idea at. Maybe she saw the local news...which is not a great idea for anyone to watch. It is very bad for stress. Watch the national new if you need to it is not a sensational.

I would also do a fire check around your house the heater, water heater AC filters etc. Check the battery in your smoke alarm. Does your family have an exit plan & meeting place?