Night terrors are genuinely terrifying. Not just for your toddlers, but also for you. Learn how to respond to these situations with a proper understanding of the spiritual and supernatural realms.
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It’s important to take the supernatural and spiritual realm seriously. At the same time, it’s necessary to consider the value of psychology and mental health. In general, night terrors and nightmares are very common for toddlers.
This stage of life is full of rapid brain development and ripe for imagination. Deep sleep is still very critical for your toddler. When he or she is disturbed from sleep, it’s not uncommon for nightmares to appear.
Here are some things you can do and should know when your toddler experiences nightmares and night terrors.
You always have prayer. In these moments, commit to praying for and with your son or daughter.
Remain as calm as you can when your toddler is in the middle of a night terror. Be reassuring for your son or daughter.
Don’t leave your toddler alone. Stay with him or her until they fall back asleep.
Nightmares can be frightening not only for your children but for you as well. If you’d like to discuss these situations, feel free to call us. For more resources on nightmares and night terrors, check out our resources here.
Dr. Daniel Huerta is Vice President of Parenting and Youth for Focus on the Family, overseeing the ministry’s initiatives that equip moms and dads with biblical principles and counsel for raising healthy, resilient children rooted in a thriving faith.
He is a psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, and the author of 7 Traits of Effective Parenting. For many years, he has provided families with practical, biblically-based and research-based parenting advice on topics including media discernment, discipline, communication, mental health issues, conflict resolution, and healthy sexuality in the home. He is passionate about coming alongside parents as they raise contributors, instead of consumers, in a culture desperately in need of God’s kingdom.
Dr. Huerta has been interviewed by various media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, and CBN, and he is a frequent guest on Christian radio stations across the nation. He’s also written for publications, including The Washington Post, on various topics related to marriage and parenting. He participated in the development of Focus on the Family’s Launch Into the Teen Years, a resource to help parents prepare their kids for adolescence, and he speaks regularly at retreats, conventions, and online events.
Dr. Huerta has maintained a private practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado since 2003 and has served families through Focus on the Family since 2004. He and his wife, Heather, have been married since 1997 and love being parents to their three teen children, Alex, Lexi, and Maci.
Today’s kids face new challenges and ask questions our kids didn’t have to two decades ago. But God has provided every answer and truth to help them have a positive mindset and turn adversity into an adventure.