A parent tells the nurse that a 4-year-old fears monsters in the bedroom. The best coping strategy is to

A parent tells the nurse that a 4-year-old fears monsters in the bedroom. The best coping strategy is to

• A. Insist that the child sleep with his parents until the fearful phase passes.
• B. Suggest involving the child to find a practical solution such as a night light.
• C. Help the child understand that these fears are illogical.
• D. Tell the child frequently that monsters and boogeyman do not exist.

Answer: (B)

Fears at this age are common, and the best approach is to empower the child to cope with bedtime anxiety using practical, collaborative strategies. Involving the child to find a solution gives a sense of control and teaches problem-solving, which is developmentally appropriate for a 4-year-old. A night light is a concrete tool that directly reduces the fear of the dark without dismissing the child's feelings. It helps the child feel safer in the bedroom, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, while still allowing parents to maintain normal bedtime routines and encourage independence. Choosing to sleep with parents may provide temporary relief but can undermine the child's developing autonomy and routines. Suggesting that fears are illogical isn’t effective for preschoolers, whose magical thinking makes fears feel very real to them. Simply telling the child that monsters don’t exist can invalidate the fear and isn’t as helpful as offering a practical coping strategy the child can participate in.

Fears at this age are common, and the best approach is to empower the child to cope with bedtime anxiety using practical, collaborative strategies. Involving the child to find a solution gives a sense of control and teaches problem-solving, which is developmentally appropriate for a 4-year-old.

A night light is a concrete tool that directly reduces the fear of the dark without dismissing the child's feelings. It helps the child feel safer in the bedroom, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, while still allowing parents to maintain normal bedtime routines and encourage independence.

Choosing to sleep with parents may provide temporary relief but can undermine the child's developing autonomy and routines. Suggesting that fears are illogical isn’t effective for preschoolers, whose magical thinking makes fears feel very real to them. Simply telling the child that monsters don’t exist can invalidate the fear and isn’t as helpful as offering a practical coping strategy the child can participate in.