Children may then be even more upset by their parents' tension. Parents should try to remain calm so that they can be of support to their children. If their children are old enough to speak, parents can encourage them to talk about their frightening dreams. Many children remember their dreams the next day, so this can probably be done the morning after the nightmare. Parents should encourage their children to think of and discuss ways to overcome the things in the dream that were frightening.
Parents can encourage their children to make up a happy ending to the dream.
Parents should respect their children's wishes, however, if they do not want to discuss the dream. If children cry out but are still asleep when parents go to their room, it's not necessary to wake them. Unless children are extremely upset, it is possible that the nightmare will end and they will return to normal sleep. Parents should just stay with their children until they either wake up or sleep peacefully again. Don't let children sleep with you.