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Home › Articles › Activities › Fun Without the Sun

Fun Without the Sun

Games in the Dark Can Help Little Ones Overcome Fears

By Mark Stackpole

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It is exciting for children to realize that the world does not stop just because they go to sleep. From simple tasks around the house and yard to nighttime hikes and twilight twists on classic games, there is no end to the fun families can have once the sun goes down. Not only can children have fun, but they can get over their fears about darkness and learn what goes on in the world around them.

So grab a flashlight, find a good hiding place and wait for the stars and the owls to come out to play. Just because evening is the end of your children's day, don't let the sun set on spending quality time with them.

Overcoming Fears

Psychologist Dr. Virginia Shiller has thesetips for parents to help their small children overcome their fears of the dark:

  • Encourage kids to discuss their fears. Ask them to describe what sights and sounds make them afraid. If you listen sympathetically, they may decide while talking that their fears are groundless.
  • Limit the viewing of scary television shows and movies.
  • Set up an incentive plan for children to earn stars or points for taking small steps toward independence at night. Chart progress and provide small rewards.
  • Give your child some tools to help him feel safer. A flashlight within reach can givehim a sense of control; a recording of soothing sounds can distract a child and keep scary thoughts at bay.
  • If a child's fear persists, and if the child has experienced a disturbing life event, it may be advisable to seek professional counseling. Nighttime fears may be an expression of more general anxiety.

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