Coping With Your Child’s Fear of the Dark: Tips for Soothing Nighttime Anxiety

10 February 2026

Bedtime is supposed to be a peaceful escape after a long day—for both kids and parents. But when your child is terrified of the dark, nights can feel like a never-ending battle. You tuck them in, say goodnight, but minutes later, they’re calling out for you, convinced there’s a monster lurking in the closet or a shadow watching them from the corner.

Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone.

Fear of the dark is one of the most common childhood fears. Let’s face it—darkness makes the imagination run wild. In this article, we’re diving deep into why kids fear the dark, what you can do to help them feel safe, and how to make bedtime a more relaxing routine for everyone.

Why Are Kids Afraid of the Dark?

First off, let’s clear something up—being scared of the dark is a totally normal part of growing up.

When kids are around 2 or 3 years old and their imaginations start to kick into overdrive, fears—especially irrational ones—start creeping in. Suddenly, what used to be just a closet is now the entrance to monster headquarters.

But what’s actually behind that fear?

1. Imagination vs. Reality

Children often struggle to separate what’s real from what’s imaginary. Have you ever noticed how a coat hanging on a chair turns into a shadowy figure once the lights go out? To a child’s mind, that’s not just a coat—it’s something sinister.

2. Lack of Control

In the dark, kids lose a sense of control. They can’t see what’s around them, and that uncertainty can spark serious anxiety. It’s the classic fear of the unknown.

3. Exposure to Scary Content

Sometimes, it’s what they’ve seen or heard—cartoons, stories at daycare, or even overhearing the news—that sticks in their minds. What might seem harmless to adults can be nightmare fuel for kids.

Understanding Their Fear Instead of Dismissing It

As tempting as it is to say, “There’s nothing to be afraid of,” try to put yourself in your child’s shoes. To them, the fear is very real.

Instead of brushing it off, acknowledge their feelings. Saying something like, “I know the dark can be scary sometimes,” validates their emotions. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want when we’re scared?

Empathy Goes a Long Way

Let your child know you're in it with them. Talk about your own childhood fears. Whether it was the boogeyman or clowns, sharing your stories can help them feel less alone—and lets them see that it’s just a phase they’ll eventually outgrow too.

10 Practical Ways to Help Your Child Overcome Fear of the Dark

Now, let’s get into the action steps. Here's how you can turn bedtime from a stress-fest into a comforting experience.

1. Use a Night Light (But Pick One Wisely)

A soft night light can work wonders. But avoid lights that are too bright or in colors like red or blue, which can mess with your child’s sleep. Instead, go for a warm amber or soft yellow—they’re gentler on the eyes and don’t interfere with melatonin production.

2. Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine

Routine gives kids a sense of security. Try a combo of:

- Warm bath or shower
- Pajamas and teeth brushing
- Quiet storytime or calm music
- Snuggles and conversation

Keeping the routine consistent can signal to their brains: “Hey, it’s time to wind down.”

3. Monster Spray or Magic Wands

It might sound silly, but don’t underestimate the power of symbolism. A DIY monster spray (a water bottle with a fun label) or a “magic” flashlight can give your child the feeling that they have the tools to protect themselves.

Cute? Yes. But also empowering.

4. Keep the Bedroom Familiar and Friendly

Avoid clutter and creepy shadows by keeping the bedroom tidy. Let your child choose comforting items like stuffed animals, blankets, or even a glow-in-the-dark sticker “guardian” who watches over them.

5. Talk it Out Before Bedtime

If something happened during the day that might have triggered their anxiety, take five minutes to chat it out. Giving your child space to express their fears can prevent them from bubbling up at night.

6. Avoid Scary Stories or Shows Before Bed

This one feels obvious, but it’s easy to miss. Even a seemingly light-hearted cartoon can have spooky moments. Be mindful of what your child’s absorbing during the day—those little brains hang onto more than we think.

7. Practice “Fear Rehearsal” During the Day

It sounds fancy, but it’s simple: Act out scary situations with toys. Maybe Teddy is scared of the dark, and your child becomes the brave friend who helps him feel safe. Role-playing gives your child a sense of control.

8. Gradual Exposure

If your child sleeps with all the lights on, you can help them get more comfy in the dark little by little. Start by dimming the lights over a few nights or changing the position of the nightlight. Take it slow—no need to rush.

9. Encourage Comfort Objects

Whether it’s a favorite plushie or a well-loved blanket, comfort objects aren’t just cute—they’re tools for emotional regulation. These little items bring familiarity and help your child feel safe.

10. Praise Brave Behavior

Positive reinforcement does wonders. When your child makes it through the night—even if it’s just a tiny improvement—celebrate it. Say, “I’m so proud of you for staying in bed all night. You were so brave!”

What to Avoid When Dealing with Fear of the Dark

Okay, now that we know what to do, let’s look at a few things not to do.

❌ Don’t Shame or Tease

Saying things like “You’re acting like a baby” or “There’s nothing to be afraid of” might make the problem worse. Fear is fear—no matter how irrational it seems.

❌ Don’t Let Them Avoid the Dark Forever

It’s a balancing act. You want to be supportive, but you also don’t want to feed the fear. Letting them sleep in your bed every single night or leave all the lights on might seem helpful, but it can keep the fear alive longer.

❌ Don’t Force Them Into Darkness Immediately

Cold-turkey isn’t the way to go. Sudden exposure to a pitch-black room can backfire. Instead, ease them into it with compassion.

When to Seek Professional Help

For most kids, fear of the dark fades over time. But what if it doesn’t?

If your child:

- Is unable to sleep at all
- Has persistent nightmares
- Experiences anxiety outside of bedtime
- Shows signs of general emotional distress

…it might be time to chat with a child psychologist. Sometimes, deeper fears or anxiety disorders can manifest as nighttime anxiety.

There’s no shame in getting help. Just like we’d go to the doctor for a persistent cough, mental and emotional struggles deserve the same attention.

Helping Them Feel Safe Is the Real Goal

This isn’t just about bedtime or monsters under the bed—it’s about helping your child feel secure in their world.

And that’s really what parenting is all about, isn’t it?

You’re helping them navigate life’s fears, big and small. Nighttime anxiety might feel tough right now, but it’s also an opportunity—to build trust, to create cozy routines, and to teach your child that they are safe, loved, and never alone.

So next time the lights go out and the fear creeps in, you'll know exactly how to shine a light on it—literally and emotionally.

Sweet dreams