If your child wakes from a nightmare, go to them quickly. Often, the child will fall back to sleep if you simply sit beside them and talk in a soothing voice. It usually is not necessary to turn on the light or to make the child talk about the dream unless they want to. Nightmares are most common when the child goes to bed in a state of anxiety such as from being in a strange place or if the parents are getting a divorce . Sometimes talking about what is bothering them may be enough to reassure the child that there is nothing to worry about.
Night terrors are different from nightmares.
With night terrors, the child suddenly screams out and appears to be awake when actually, they are only semi-conscious. Do not try to wake them or make them aware of your presence. If they see you, they may become even more terrified which can be upsetting for any parent. If they become hysterical, turn on the light and gently wake them. Explain that they have had a bad dream and that everything is alright.