Monsters at bedtime?
Is Your Toddler Scared of Monsters at Bedtime? Here's a Magical Fix That Actually Works
Because their fears are real — even if the monsters aren't
If bedtime has become a battle of "there's something under my bed" and "I can't sleep because of the monsters," you're not alone. Fear of the dark, nightmares, and imaginary monsters are an incredibly common part of toddler and early childhood development — and for many families, they're the hidden culprit behind toddler sleep regression, broken nights, and a child who simply refuses to stay in their room
The good news? You don't need to dismiss the fear or argue that monsters aren't real. In fact, the most effective thing you can do is meet your child's imagination where it is and give them the power to fight back
Why Toddlers Fear Monsters: Understanding the Developmental Stage
Between the ages of two and six, children's imaginations are developing rapidly. They begin to blur the line between fantasy and reality, which is wonderful for creativity but it also means bad dreams, night terrors, and fears like being scared of the dark can feel completely, overwhelmingly real
Night terrors vs nightmares — what's the difference?
- Nightmares happen during REM sleep and your child will usually remember them. They may wake up upset and want reassurance
- Night terrors typically occur in the first few hours of sleep during deep non-REM sleep. Your child may scream, thrash, or appear awake but won't be fully conscious and often won't remember the episode in the morning
Both can contribute to toddler sleep regression — a period where a previously good sleeper suddenly resists bedtime, wakes frequently, or becomes anxious about going to sleep. Fear of monsters and being scared of the dark are among the most common triggers
The Most Important Thing You Can Do: Take the Fear Seriously
It can be tempting to say "monsters aren't real, go back to sleep." But dismissing your child's fear however irrational it seems to an adult can actually make bedtime anxiety worse
Those monsters may not be real, but your child's fear absolutely is. Acknowledging it, validating it, and then empowering your child to do something about it is far more effective than logic alone
If your child believes in monsters, the thinking goes, then with support and encouragement from a parent or loved one, they can just as easily believe they have the power to make them go away
This is the principle behind one of the most beloved bedtime tricks for parents dealing with bad dreams and monster fears: Monster Spray
How to Make Monster Spray (and Why It Works)
Monster Spray is a simple, magical tool that gives your child agency over their fear. Instead of feeling helpless and scared, they become the one in control armed with a bottle of monster-repelling power and the confidence to use it
The ritual of spraying under the bed, around the windows, and in the doorway creates a sense of safety and routine that can genuinely help settle an anxious child at bedtime
What You'll Need:
- A refillable spray bottle
- Water
- A few drops of essential oil (lavender is ideal for its calming properties — peppermint or chamomile also work well)
- A printed Monster Spray label (see the free Brolly Sheets printable below)
How to Use It:
At bedtime, hand your child the Monster Spray bottle and let them take charge. Spray under the bed, in the wardrobe, around the windows, and across the doorway. Once the room is officially monster-free, place the bottle on the bedside table so your child can reach it independently if they wake in the night feeling scared of the dark or unsettled by a bad dream
The act of doing it themselves is the key. It transforms a moment of fear into a moment of empowerment
Beyond Monster Spray: More Tools from Brolly Sheets
Brolly Sheets have created a wonderful free printable pack with recipes and labels for three magical bedtime tools:
Monster Spray — Spritz away those monsters before lights out and keep the bottle close for middle-of-the-night reassurance
Monster Swatter — For the child who prefers a more hands-on approach to monster management. Decorate a fly swatter with the printed label and let them do a pre-bedtime sweep of the room
Fairy Dust — A gentler, more whimsical option for children who respond better to protective magic than monster-fighting. Sprinkle fairy dust around the bed to create a safe, magical barrier
Download the free Brolly Sheets Monster Repelling Pack here
Other Tips for Helping Toddlers Who Are Scared of the Dark
Monster Spray is a brilliant tool, but it works best as part of a broader bedtime routine designed to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of safety. Here are a few more strategies:
Use a night light: A soft glow from a night light can make an enormous difference for a child who is scared of the dark. Choose a warm, low-level light that provides comfort without disrupting melatonin production
Keep the bedtime routine consistent: Predictability is deeply reassuring for toddlers. A consistent sequence bath, story, Monster Spray, lights out signals to the brain that it's safe to wind down
Acknowledge the fear out loud: "I understand you're scared. Let's check the room together and make sure it's safe." Simple validation before reaching for the Monster Spray makes the ritual feel even more powerful
Check for underlying triggers: Sometimes a sudden spike in nightmares or night terrors is linked to a change in routine, a new sibling, starting daycare, or a disruption to sleep patterns. Addressing the underlying cause alongside the monster-management tools will give you the best results
Avoid scary content before bed: Even content that seems mild to adults can fuel vivid bad dreams in young children. Keep the hour before bed calm, screen-free if possible, and filled with familiar, comforting stories
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do children typically develop a fear of monsters?
Fear of monsters and being scared of the dark typically emerges between the ages of two and six, as imagination develops and children begin processing the difference between fantasy and reality. It's a completely normal developmental stage
Is Monster Spray safe for children?
Yes — Monster Spray is simply water with a few drops of child-safe essential oil. Always use essential oils that are appropriate for children (lavender is the safest choice) and dilute well. Avoid spraying near eyes or directly on skin
What's the difference between night terrors and nightmares in toddlers?
Nightmares occur during REM sleep and your child will wake up and remember them. Night terrors occur during deep sleep your child may appear awake and distressed but won't be fully conscious and usually won't recall the episode. Both can be frightening for parents to witness but are a normal part of childhood development
How do I handle toddler sleep regression caused by fear of the dark?
Consistency is key. Maintain a predictable bedtime routine, use tools like Monster Spray and a night light to address the fear directly, and give your child age-appropriate language to talk about what's scaring them. If sleep regression persists beyond a few weeks, speak with your maternal child health nurse or GP
Can Monster Spray replace professional help for severe sleep anxiety?
Monster Spray is a wonderful tool for typical childhood fear of monsters and mild bedtime anxiety. If your child's fear is severe, persistent, or significantly impacting their sleep and daily functioning, speak with your GP or a paediatric psychologist for tailored support
Bedtime fears are one of those universal parenting moments that no one fully prepares you for. But with a little imagination, a spray bottle, and the right tools, you can help your child feel safe, empowered, and ready for a good night's sleep — monsters and all.
Download the free Brolly Sheets Monster Repelling Pack and add a night light to your bedtime toolkit tonight
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