I'm sure that as moms/parents we hear this one from our toddlers and preschoolers...its a normal part of development and also believe it or not a genetic fear. Like being scared of predatory animals and the dark and dark places and being afraid of heights. Its a preprogrammed fear to keep us safe.

Being afraid of the unknown in dark places is soooooo common. I felt the need to share with other parents what has worked for me in the past. Perhaps this will help some family going through this same issue of monsters in the closet or under the bed.:)

1) some children do well with redirection. Example:

Child: mommy/daddy there's a monster under there!

Parent: really? How can there be a monster there when you are standing right in front of me?! *act surprised and silly*

Child: I'm not a monster!

Parent: oh then i guess there's no monster problem! *carry on then with bed time*

2) Monster Go away Spray! - some kids feel the need to actually have something to protect them. And this is good because its aroma therapy too!

Spray bottle fill with water add 10 drops of lavender and 10 of Chamomile essential oils and 5 drops of eucalyptus. A very soothing smell to spray around the "monster effected area" and a little on the pillow to help them relax. Remind them the smell is pretty for people but monsters think its YUCKY!

3) Monsters LOVE Carrots! - some times kids need a grown up to take care of the monster for good!

Remember monsters love carrots! So if you put one in a paper bag and hold it in the closet or under the bed big monsters will "shrink down to get the carrot" so be sure to close the bag quick and run from the house and put the monster in the garbage or outside before the kiddo can see ...or not see anything :) ((I used this method once for a child I did over night babysitting for...needless to say he had lots of monsters lol))

4) Stuffy Army!

Stuffed animals and dolls are our friends and they listen to our secrets and dreams and they also keep away scary monsters! With your child line up all the stuffys and dolls he or she thinks are the strongest! And line then up around the bed *if the closet is the issue face them outward if under the bed is the issue face them to the underside of the bed*

5) Oh my Gosh There IS a monster under my bed!!! *this is a new one for me I had to get creative because all other options did not work with my 3.5 year old!*

So monster under the bed issue right...I bought the most adorable alien monster I could find from Amazon about a week ago and stashed it under her bed. Some kids like to be the brave ones so she's been checking her bed too so during nap time the other day I hear a loud l.

M: Oh my gosh!!! *over the monitor*

Me: I used the two way communication and asked "baby what's the matter?"

M: There's a monster under my bed!!!

Me: really?

M: Yes and its got 3 eyes!! Seeeeee!???

Me: Ohhh so that's the monster under your bed well I guess you solved your monster problem! Good job now lay down and rest.

M: yeah I did solve my monster problem! She's so cute!

No more monster issues and she's not let googly go since she first found her 2 days ago!

I hope this can help parents out there struggling with this issue! To help other parents if you have an idea that's worked for you please post it I would love to see what works for others too!

❤