Our little granddaughter is having bad dreams every night and says there is a ghost in her room. Our daughter is thinking of changing her bedroom. When she stays with us she doesn’t have the nightmares. She goes to a church school and is always telling us how Jesus died on the cross. Have you had anything like this with the children you foster? We would really appreciate your insight. Thank you.
R
CG: Many of the children I’ve looked after have had recurrent dreams and nightmares, indeed my own daughter did too for a while, until I tracked down the source – a silly cartoon on television designed for children. It’s surprising just what can upset a young child. They have very vivid imaginations. I wouldn’t change her bedroom as it could suggest there is something to be frightened of in the room. Instead, I would get to the bottom of the problem. Given that it doesn’t happen at your house, I would start by checking everything in her room that could cast a shadow at night – pictures, soft toys, a dressing gown hanging on the back of the door etc. Also I would check, books, tv, and what exactly they have been showing them at school. Some religious images are very powerful. Obviously she needs reassuring that the dreams are just that and your daughter is dealing with them and making them stop. I hope this helps. Let me know how you get on.
Cathy, our daughter has found that the window was whistling through the night so has now closed it, no more ghosts. Thanks for your help.
R
