Nightmares and bedtime fears are common in school-aged children, especially now that they're more aware of the sometimes scary world around them. Fear of monsters under the bed is gradually being replaced by concerns about burglars and other "real" dangers. Talk to your child about his worries, provide reassurance ("I'm right across the hall, and I'd never let anything happen to you"), and discuss how you cope when you're scared. Books and personal stories about handling fears are always a great help. If your grade-schooler's bad dreams or nighttime fears persist, look for sources of anxiety in his daily life and talk about how he can deal with them. As he gets older, for instance, worries about school performance and friendships may lead to difficulty falling asleep at night. Get more tips on easing nighttime worries.
As he grows, your grade-schooler may also start resisting an "early" bedtime. Talk to him about the importance of sleep and how much better he'll feel when he gets a good night's rest. While it's important to let your child have some say in the matter (allowing him to read for an extra 10 minutes after you tuck him in, for instance, or to listen to quiet music after lights-out), stick to your guns on this issue. After all, an extra half-hour of television at night isn't going to do anyone any good. See more strategies for winning bedtime battles.