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It’s natural for children to be scared of certain scenes in a movie, but how do you help them overcome this fear and prevent them from having nightmares?
The good news is that there are some simple strategies which can help your child feel better and get back to their usual sleep routine.
Diverting his attention
When reassuring a child who has been frightened during a movie, it is important to help them shift their focus away from the frightening content.
A good first step is to talk to them about something positive and uplifting.
It could be something in their own life – like an upcoming activity, a favorite toy, or a fun memory with their family – or something outside of their own experience – like an interesting fact or story.
The goal is to help them forget about the scary movie and remember that the world can be a safe and exciting place.
Getting to know the movie better
Exploring the making of the movie can be a great way to help a child who has been frightened by it.
It can help them gain a better understanding of what they saw, and show them that there were real people behind it.
Watching the making-of with your child can also help reassure them that nothing about what they saw was real.
Knowing more about the movie can be a great way to help them cope with any fear or anxiety they felt.
Helping children who have been scared by a movie
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do when a child has been frightened by something they have seen in a movie.
The best thing to do is to talk to them openly and honestly about what has happened. Ask them what scared them and make sure they know that you understand how they are feeling.
Reassure them that the situation is not real and that they are perfectly safe. Finally, encourage them to talk about their fear in order to work through it and let it go.
Encouraging a positive bedtime routine
After being scared during a movie, it is important to reassure your child and help them to feel safe. One practical step you can take is to keep to their usual bedtime routine.
Giving your child a warm bath, reading them a story and cuddling up with them can help calm their mind and body before sleep. It may also be useful to set the tone for the night by talking about something positive or funny before bed.
Try to create a peaceful atmosphere for your child, and let them know that they are safe.
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