I think it should hopefully be a phase, but if not could see your gp for a psych mental health plan to talk to a psych

I think that this is a phase that some kids go through and is quite natural. My 2 kids have had them and we just had to ride it through. My youngest is still in the zone, so we just hug him and get him to relax and then put him down again.

As this child’s mother I would be looking into why this child, so young is having nightmares. Is the the child watching inappropriate tv or video movies cartoons etc. Is another child making them scared. Is there someone in their lives doing something to make them afraid. Are they going to child care, if so, what is happening there. It is my personal opinion ( and you are welcome to ignore me without offence) that no child of this age should have nightmares. Do everything you can to find an answer, do not be satisfied with just calming the child. I may sound paranoid but I have been in this world a long time and seen a lot and worry about children who show signs of distress. love to you all Lyn

Explain it perfectly normal and lots of kids have them (my son did and he grew out of it after a year or so).. Maybe ever try having a teddy you have hugged with your perfume or tucking him in tightly in at night.. At times we had to spend the whole night in the bed with him to settle him.. We even tried weighted blanket so he felt secure when sleeping and the blanket didn’t move off as he slept but that was more of a sensory thing as he had some other issues as well.

I set up a camp stretcher in my sons room. He was waking screaming during the night. I didn’t want him moved to our room as then he would still be scared when he went back to his room but instead my partner and I took turns lying next to him holding his hand as he went to sleep. On bad nights we stayed all night. It doesn’t last forever and with the second child they were in the room together so he didn’t get them but my daughter did get them so now all three sleep in the one room and their great. My daughter said you and dad have a room and the brothers have a room and I have a room. I them saw they were just alone they were scared of. The three still sleep with fairly bright night lights too. Enough to stop the shadows.