Sleeping Issues in a 4 1/2 Year Old

I used to be scared of Scooby Doo when I was a child. I still don't watch it - (not that I would be scare:). My son got scared at Halloween (I think) 2008 and it lasted for a long while. He was so scared of going to use the bathroom or playing downstairs by himself or just going to bed. At one point I had to lie beside him until he fell asleep (talk about a waste of my evenings). He is much better now (almost back to normal) but I still leave the light on next door his room until I know he is in deep sleep. I also let him know he can come over to our room when he wants and he does.

She might get over it sooner. Would it help if she had some relaxing music while she tries to fall asleep? Just keep assuring her that you are close by and nothing can hurt her. Stay away from even fairytales with whitches as she might be scared without you realizing. Also she is that age where she better understands danger and also has wild imagination.

Sounds like my son. Very typical fears for a 4 yr old and it breaks my heart that he is so frightened. We've tried everything. What really doesn't work is trying to rationalize with them that they are safe - to them their fear is real. After months of trying everything, I told my husband I would not force him to sleep in his room by himself if he was so scared. We made a deal with him that he must fall asleep in his room. If he woke scared in the middle of the night, he was allowed to come into our room to a pile of blankets set aside just for him and make a pallet on the floor, but that he could not wake us because just like him, we need our sleep not to be cranky in the morning. So now many nights of the week, we find him on our floor. I figure it wont last forever and for now he feels close to us and more secure and we are not getting calls out from him in the middle of the night.

I went through the same exact thing with my son. Do you have a nightlight on? What I did was I bought my son a small cd player with headphones. He is 25 now so back then it was a portable cd player today it would probably be an ipod LOL!!! He would listen to music to fall asleep and it really was a distraction. Even a cd player in her room with some soothing music may help her. I know how difficult it could be my son was afraid someone was going to come and hurt us during the night. The fear is real. If she needs a light on keep on one. Kids are also very visual they need props. Spray some pretend fairy dust around the room. Tell her it will protect her and keep the whole family safe. I can remember watching the movie The BLob when I was little. It was this big red blob. My mom hung a red cardigan sweater on my dresser for me to wear to school the next day. I remember waking up screaming that the red blob was in my room!!! LOL. I am now 50 years old and still remember this. So yes the fear is very real. I know you are tired but try to be patient with her I am sure she can't help it.