5 Yr Old Has Fear of Darkness

Hi Lovey,

I suggest just having low level lights around the house to help her feel better or purchase a flashlight she can take with her.

I never felt comfortable walking though my parent's house in the dark (through my teens!), it wasn't until I moved out that I felt OK walking in dark halls. When I moved back, I was scared again. There was something about that house that made me feel really scared. Your daughter may have the same feeling.

I suggest all parents add dimmer switches to their lights, it helps kids and I think they're better than night lights.

Good Luck,

R. Magby

Your daughter, is pretty much reflecting her developmental age.
At this age, and other ages, they DO get various night-time 'fears' and of the dark.
My daughter is 7 now... but at that age and younger, she went through that too. And still sometimes does.
Kids, have imaginations and their brain is developing and their sense of night-time unknowns etc.
I remember being that age AND older... and feeling the same way. It is normal. I would get scared too.... by myself... in the dark. AND... the only way I felt 'safe' was sleeping in my parent's room. My sister on the other hand, was different. Each kid is different.

She is a young child.
I really would just offer her comfort and solace. If she needs company/help at night to the bathroom... for me at least, I really don't see it as a 'problem'... because, I see it as a normal part of a child's development....
My daughter, slept in our room too sometimes. We have a floor futon in our room... she can sleep there. NO biggie. My husband also goes outside with a flashlight to 'show' her that it is just the wind making noises... but she is safe etc.

It is something, that occurs in young children... and then they outgrow it. But for a 5 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old... they DO get afraid of the dark/night-time for various reasons.. or even just due to imagination.
And we can't just extinguish, their imaginations.

all the best,
Susan

I think that is normal. Continue to accompany her, put a night light in the room and reassure her it is ok. Stay with her until she sleeps for a couple nights on and off until she gets used to the idea. She may have had bad dreams and associates that with the room. Their imaginations are active during the day and some of them can't differentiate what is what then, especially if she watches something terrifying. It replays in their mind.

I was about 7 years old when my dad gave me great advice. We were walking around the block and I was talking about yet another scary dream I had. That's when my dad said 'you can control your dream'. This completely shocked me. The conversation continued with him reassuring me that I was in control of my dream. I'll never forget the next scary dream I had. Monsters were coming into my room and appearing in front of my face. I then squirt them with some water (like a carnival game) and they would die. Then Santa's face appeared, but to him it was just water and so he was fine. Then I climbed out my window and flooded my room with the hose. When it was safe, the water drained and I went back into my room. I don't know how long this advice helped me, but when he said that...it was like 'why didn't someone tell me before'. Otherwise, night lights and a stuffed animal or favorite blanket. Also soft music if it doesn't keep her up.

Give her her own flashlight.
We have one that looks like a tiger - yes, I know my kids are teenagers, but she still likes her tiger flashlight and takes it to summer camp every single year! It roars when you turn it on...

YMMV
LBC

There are some small lights that you plug in and they light up a small area of the floor. Maybe you could buy some and plug them in to light the way from her bedroom to the bathroom. Of course, a nightlight in her room would be your best bet- they also make those really cute lady bugs and turtles that shine different lights onto the ceiling (of course, I can't remember what they're called!).