Last night, my 10 year old son told me he hasn't been sleeping well the past week due to nightmares. He said that he's having similar zombie nightmares to when he was younger (around 6 years old), and when he had those nightmares before during another stressful period in his life. I know he's been under a lot of emotional stress this past week because my mom has recently been battling stage one breast cancer, and she had a lumpectomy a week ago. Then on top of it, the day after her lumpectomy, my oldest sister was admitted to the hospital for psychological issues (bipolar and extreme depression). It's a lot of stress in a short period of time.
So was hoping for some suggestions on dealing with nightmares and techniques for kids to deal with stress. I've been trying to stay confident about the family issues around him, and I let him know that he can talk to me at any time about it. Honestly, he didn't even realize that the stress was helping to cause the nightmares until we talked about it. He did say that he slept better last night, but I really want to stay on top of the issue and make sure he's doing the best he possibly can during this time.
I am not sure what to say, hope those nightmares go away and your son can get a restful night. I did a google for suggestions and about the only thing that caught my eye was maybe drawing pictures of things that are going on through his head. Maybe that release can help. Oh, I just thought maybe he could listen to some very quiet music, like the ones of streams or ocean, maybe classical, meditation type of music to help clear his mind before bed. Good luck, let us know if it gets better or worse.
I hope that his stress lessens for him. I would just keep talking and supporting him.
Quoting IMAMOM2-2KIDS:I hope that his stress lessens for him. I would just keep talking and supporting him.
Thank you. That's what I'm working on. I just hope I'm not bugging him too much now....LOL :)
Quoting hholllyy426:I am not sure what to say, hope those nightmares go away and your son can get a restful night. I did a google for suggestions and about the only thing that caught my eye was maybe drawing pictures of things that are going on through his head. Maybe that release can help. Oh, I just thought maybe he could listen to some very quiet music, like the ones of streams or ocean, maybe classical, meditation type of music to help clear his mind before bed. Good luck, let us know if it gets better or worse.
I really like that idea. My son is very talented and creative in terms of drawing, and so I think that could be a great release for him. I'll definitely talk to him tonight about doing this! Thank you!
Akasha went through nightmares and it was so bad we took her to a therapist.
Dr. L said before going to sleep or turning of the lights to always tell your kiddo to go to sleep with a smile on their face to help with happy dreams.
They also read books about nightmares, drew pictures of what was scary then crumpled them or tore them so that they can't come back...
Just stay positive...and talk if he needs to...we also made a dream catcher of some sorts together for all the baddreams to get stuck to.
I'm sorry to hear about all y'all are going through.
I really don't have any advice for your son.
But I would like to share some info for your mom if you don't mind.
http://www.cafemom.com/group/107789/forums/209253/_CANCER
I hope things get better for y'all.
Sister's kids' parties and events....too much...need advice
- Barabell
on Mar. 19, 2010 at 1:41 PM