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Since 1999, Monster Go Away! spray has been eradicating monsters nationwide.
Works on Aliens, too!

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If your child is experiencing anxiety and is chronically sleepless, seek professional help. Online, we like Kim West, LCSW-C, at The Sleep Lady for helpful information. West, who works with children in her practice, says that,” Monsters may not be 'monsters' per se. It could be any type of fear or anxiety but verbalized as a 'monster.' She adds, “Even regular animals they may have contact with during the course of their day can become scary at night. In addition, sleep deprivation, stress or poor diet can result in difficulty at bedtime.”

According to experts, one out of every four children between the ages of 3 and 7 experience nightmares. This equals to many sleepless nights for children and their parents. Telling a child, "there is no such thing as a monster" sends a message that their fear is not valid and therefore even more scary because the child feels alone.

Here are some strategies that may help~

Reassure your child
Holding them and saying nothing but, "I am here" works. Sometimes parents have a tendency to talk too much, trying to rationalize and may create more problems. Talking it out, may backfire. It is much better to be quiet and focus on hugging your child, enveloping them with feelings of safety. Encourage them to 'throw away the bad thoughts'.

Evaluate their fear
Is there a particular object in the room scaring them? Remove it. We once received an email from a mom whose daughter was scared of a red eye monster. We suggested that mom lay in her bed and see her room from her daughter's bedtime perspective. The red eye monster turned out to be a nanny cam.

Create a coping mechanism
Teach your kids to relax. Explain that when they feel scared its good to breathe long, slow breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. This is helpful for life and teaches self-control.

If your child brings up the monster fear, at any other time than bedtime,ask them to describe what it looks like, maybe drawing a picture. Many people believe this reinforces/validates their fear. The reality is...the fear is already there, it is real to your child and you cannot help unless you ascertain its origin and attributes. Pictures can speak a thousand words here.

Start bedtime rituals
It is no secret that instituting guidelines and schedules for your children to follow at bedtime is good parenting. Children need routine and it reinforces their feelings of security and comfort. Design the ritual with your child. Give a few choices that you know will be relaxing. (always multiple choice with kids, otherwise you are setting yourself up for a long night)

Singing a calming song, going outside to look at the stars, giving the dog a 'dream' biscuit, enjoying a short massage or putting all their 'babies' to bed are a few suggestions.

Empower your child.
Fear arises from a feeling of lack of control so do what you can to empower your child with the tools to deal with their issues. Monster Go Away! spray evolved from this premise. Of course, you can always stick with plain water... but the scent is an overt sign that something is combating the monster. After all, monsters hate stuff that smells good, right?
Active imaginations are at work and children who are empowered with targeted strategies are more equipped to overcome their fears.

Products we like that work ~

Sleep Lady's Dream cards

Dreaming Earth Botanical's Organic Lavender massage oil for Kids

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