The Monster Under The Bed

I guess it's the right age for the whole afraid of the dark thing to start, but I sure wasn't ready for it...

The other night Brianna woke up SCREAMING and was saying "There's something in my bed, there's something in my bed." We assumed she'd had a nightmare and had a heck of a time getting her to go back to sleep. Finally we had to give her a brighter night light to ease the fear. Now she insists on having the night light on even during daytime naps. Before her nap the other day she said, "There's a monster under my bed!" And then at bedtime last night she was saying "There's a tiger in my bed!" "No there's no tiger," we told her. "A 'tend (pretend) one!" she insisted. "Well, if he's pretend then there's no need to worry right?" we said. I don't really know where she got this idea but poor kiddo...I feel bad for her going through this phase...

Ultimately we ended up telling her that Bear was a good bear and that he would save her and also that her special light would make her safe in bed. It's been helping a little. Now before she goes to sleep she's been saying "Bear will safe me. My special light is on."