Ah, the nights with a 3-year-old, a true journey in the kingdom of worry and screams! When your little treasure wakes up screaming in the night, parents often find themselves in “panic” mode. But don’t panic, night terrors are not a mystery without a solution. This article offers practical tips and advice to help your child through these difficult moments and to keep you from tearing your hair out (even if the temptation is strong)!
What are night terrors?
Night terrors are episodes of intense fear that occur during the night. Your little blond heads, aged 1 to 8 years, can be victims of them, but these terrors generally make an appearance between 12 months and 4 years. Imagine the scene: your child screams like a conductor in the middle of a concert, eyes closed, but in a paradoxically awake state. Rest assured, often, they are not really aware of their surroundings during these episodes, which makes it even more “hilarious” (if one can say so) as a parent observing the scene!
When it happens, what really occurs?
When night terrors strike, expect a… memorable show! Your child may get up, scream, and appear completely terrified while having their eyes wide open. Going through phases of aggressiveness, they might seem confused, with vacant eyes, and breathing as fast as a cheetah on the road. You could almost mistake it for a horror movie given how intense the scene is. Ah, motherhood, a challenge!
How long does it last?
Fortunately, these episodes do not last forever. Generally, a night terror lasts between 1 to 5 minutes. If that seems long when it happens, rest assured, this is often the case for other parents too! After this brief moment of anxiety, your little one is often able to fall back asleep as quickly as they woke up. The joy of being a mom, isn’t it?
What to do to soothe your child?
If you find yourself facing a child in the midst of a nighttime crisis, do not try to wake them up. This may seem counterintuitive, but even if your little terrified one seems about to take off, it’s best to speak to them softly, waiting for them to calm down on their own. A comforting QR code? No, just your quiet presence right beside them! Wait, and when they truly wake up, a soft and reassuring voice, accompanied by hugs (if that doesn’t scare them, of course) could help get them back on their feet.
Are you sure it’s night terrors?
Be careful, not all nighttime screams necessarily mean night terrors. Nightmares can also strike in the latter half of the night. They may be less intense than night terrors, but create a more persistent anxiety that can complicate returning to sleep. If we’re being serious, it’s important to assess your child’s particular situation, taking the time to discuss it with your pediatrician, to establish a nice sleep program free of fears!
Learn more about baby’s nighttime crying
If you want to take a look at other reasons behind your little one’s nighttime crying, a useful article has dedicated quite a few smart discoveries to it. Don’t hesitate to check it out!
The path to peaceful nights
Even if the nights sometimes stir the house, don’t forget that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. With a bit of patience and understanding, it is possible to soothe your little one’s nighttime fears. The bedtime routine, affectionate care, and the tranquility of your presence can greatly contribute to bringing calm back to your nights. And if one day you feel overwhelmed, remember that other parents share the same chaotic dance.
Thinking back to that time when my son would wake up screaming every night, a memory comes to mind: I had settled next to his bed, keeping my blanket on my knees, ultimately unable to do anything but drift into a light sleep. Even better, by morning, I realized that another night was preparing for the evening, making this cycle both exhausting and comical. Night terrors don’t stand a chance against our determination to provide love and reassurance. That’s how restless nights can become a sweet memory, blending fear with the tenderness of the early years of life.
