Talk about the nightmare the next day. Suggest that she draw a picture of the dream to help her talk about it. While an occasional nightmare is normal, you should seek professional help if the nightmares are also associated with changes in her daytime personality or behavior. If she is under a lot of stress or seems very anxious and the nightmares are increasing, then she may need professional counseling. Otherwise, with a lot of reassurance, she should outgrow them.
Night terrors are more frightening for parents, but can also be normal.
They usually occur a few hours after your child has gone to sleep, at which time you may wake up to your child's crying or screaming. When you go to him, he will NOT be alert and won't recognize you, even though he may seem like he is awake. He will usually seem like he is terrified and may have a rapid heart beat and rapid breathing. Night terrors occur as your child moves through different stages of sleep and they represent a partial awakening. Since your child isn't really awake, there is nothing that you can do to reassure him.