What to Do When Your Toddler Wakes Up Screaming

As a parent, it can be concerning and distressing when your toddler wakes up screaming. It's natural to want to know what is causing your child's distress and how to help them. Next time, try these tips to assess what's really going on:

Stay calm

It's important to try to remain calm and not panic, as your child will pick up on your emotions and may become more upset.

Check for any immediate needs

Make sure your child is not in physical danger or discomfort. Check for things like a wet diaper, hunger, or thirst.

Reassure your toddler

Once you have determined that there are no immediate needs, try to comfort your child by holding them, talking to them in a soothing voice, and offering physical comfort such as a hug or pat on the back.

Try to determine the cause of the screaming

It can be helpful to try to identify the cause of your child's screaming. This may be due to a nightmare, separation anxiety, or some other trigger.

Take steps to address the cause

Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to address it. For example, if your child is experiencing separation anxiety, you may want to establish a bedtime routine that includes a special goodnight ritual to help them feel more secure. If the screaming is due to a nightmare, you can try reassuring your child that they are safe and helping them to process their feelings about the nightmare.

Seek help if needed

If you are unable to determine the cause of your child's screaming or if the screaming persists despite your efforts to comfort them, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a healthcare provider or child development specialist.

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In conclusion, it can be distressing when your toddler wakes up screaming, but there are steps you can take to try to determine the cause and offer comfort. If the screaming persists or you are unable to determine the cause, seeking the advice of a healthcare provider or child development specialist can be helpful.

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^Sources:

• ^{American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Separation anxiety and fear of strangers. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Separation-Anxiety-and-Fear-of-Strangers.aspx}
• ^{Mayo Clinic. (2021). Toddler sleep: Tips for getting your child to sleep through the night. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/toddler-sleep/art-20048279}

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