bye bye nightmares: 5 books to read to your children

Most kids go through a nightmare phase at various ages.  Both my boys had nightmares around the age of 3 and a half.  It comes out of nowhere and all of a sudden they start feeling scared of things in their room.  It could be a shadow, a stuffed animal that has been in their room or even something that happened at school that day.

These are the times they really need to feel as happy and comfortable as possible before bed.  Just telling them there is nothing to be scared of won’t really help them feel at ease.  I found that reading specific books about fictional characters that go through something similar helped my kids get through that phase.  Here are 8 books to read to your children to help them cope with the nightmare phase.

8 books to read to your children having nightmares

The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Dream

This book is about the brother and sister having nightmares and how their mom and dad help them understand that hey are scary but not real.

Mommy Mommy, I had a Bad Dream

This book is about a kangaroo who has a series of bad dreams and how his family help him understand that it’s okay and the importance of being happy and that he can put himself back to sleep.

Brave Little Monster

This super cute animated book is about a young monster trying to go sleep while a scary little girl hides in his closet eating ice cream and a little boy colors under his bed. This book is a bit different because it is from the Monster’s point of view and how they are fun and loving.

What a Bad Dream

This story is about Little Critter dreaming he is a scary monster.  No more baths! No healthy food! Pizza forever! He learns that being so negative, people avoid him and it’s not fun anymore.

There’s A Nightmare In My Closet

One of our family favorites.  This author is a great writer for kids that makes everything feel so safe.