Parents can teach their children to use positive self-talk with regard to fear of the dark. It's just dark. Mommy and Daddy are in the next room. There's nothing in here that can hurt me. Parents should praise each step their child takes towards overcoming his or her fear of the dark.
Parents can also set up a reward system, with specific steps resulting in rewards.
Parents can encourage their child to chart his or her progress. Seek professional help for fears that persist. While fear of the dark is normal in most children, in some instances it can become a significant problem. If a child's fear of the dark interferes with his or her, or the family's everyday life and continue even though steps have been taken to cope with them, parents should seek professional help.