Child in his own bed, support, reassure

© RF

When your child shouts, cries jumps out of bed and comes to join you after a nightmare, a comforting hug is obviously required. You're tired and naturally want to be there for him, but afterwards don't give in and let your child sleep in your bed.

Put your child back into bed, stay a while for reassurance and then leave. 

Your child needs structure and, in the middle of the Oedipus period, needs to know the limits between his territory and yours. This is good for children in the long run.