Consider Therapy
Therapy is a powerful tool for treating all types of phobias and fearful situations. Your child can benefit immensely from therapy sessions, both from talking to a licensed professional about their dreams, as well as having coping mechanisms to handle it on their own. Depending on your child's age, your therapist may take a variety of different approaches to treating nightmares. For instance, in younger children, a good technique may be to express phobias through drawings. If your child is older, then they can utilize a journal entry system or advanced cognitive techniques. It is important to find a therapist that your child is completely comfortable with so that they can openly express themselves to find the best solution possible.
Give Them a Furry Friend
Pets can be incredibly therapeutic, especially dogs and cats, which serve as companions for a decade or more to your family. If your child does not want to go to bed alone, sleeping with pets can be an effective deterrent against nighttime anxiety. When you adopt or purchase an animal, be sure that it is a breed that is compatible with your family and lifestyle, so that your child can have the ultimate buddy. Having a pet sleeping in their room will give them an alternative comfort, rather than going to your bedroom or feeling helpless and scared.
Conquer Fears Together
When your child is experiencing trauma through nightmares, it is vital that you express teamwork, and that as a parent, you are willing to help them work through their fears. You can do this by asking your child every morning if they were able to sleep without nightmares, or by developing your own tactics for handling a situation where they awake during the night. If you have a spouse, partner, or co-parent, keep them informed on the steps you and your child are taking to alleviate the cause of their nightmares as well. Working as a team can have an immensely positive effect on all parties involved, but especially your child.
Sleep on the Floor with Them
Although it may be uncomfortable, sleeping on the floor of your child's bedroom can be an effective treatment for banishing nightmares, especially if they are younger. A common phobia for smaller children is the monster under the bed, so if you are sleeping right next to the bed, then you can reassure them that there is, in fact, nothing to fear. You can do an exposure technique with this method, by leaving your child's room earlier every night, until eventually, they will no longer need you to assuage them any longer, and will be able to sleep on their own.
Utilize a Nightlight
Although nightlights that are too bright have been shown to controversially affect sleep, you can still have a very low light that is just enough to provide comfort for your child, without disrupting their sleep cycle or melatonin production. With a nightlight, your child can easily see around in the room and will be less likely to imagine their nightmares coming to life. With the right tone, such as a softer light, your nightlight can serve the purpose of helping your child fall back asleep if they wake up with anxiety from a nightmare.
It does not have to be difficult to eliminate your child's fears and night terrors. With these solutions, you should be able to find a regimen that works for them and equip them with tools that they can use whenever they feel scared or anxious while they are trying to sleep during the night.