Health Tip: If Your Child Has a Nightmare

(HealthDay News) -- Everyone has bad dreams, but they can be especially frightening for young children.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions for the parents of children who have just had a nightmare:

• Offer plenty of cuddles, comfort and reassurance to your child.

• During the day, talk about your child's bad dream, and make sure to avoid frightening TV programs and movies.

• Leave the door to the child's bedroom open, and offer a favorite toy or blanket for comfort.

• Avoid spending a lot of time looking for the "monster" that scared your child. Let your child go back to sleep in his or her own bed.

• Read a book about coping with nighttime fears.

• Before bed, talk about funny and happy topics.