Fear of the Dark
How to soothe a child's fear without dismissing or over-amplifying it.
Signs
- Refuses to enter the room alone
- Wakes crying often at night
- Stories about 'something' in the room
What to do
- 1
Don't laugh at the fear. Validate: 'Yes, the dark can feel strange.'
- 2
Leave a small dim light, not a bright one.
- 3
Read the bedtime dua together — a spiritual anchor.
- 4
Do a short 'room check' together — under the bed, close the wardrobe.
- 5
Avoid scary stories or shows near bedtime.
- 6
Provide a comfort object: a doll, a favorite blanket.
Islamic perspective
The Prophet ﷺ taught protective duas for children. Recite them calmly, not dramatically — the child absorbs tone more than words.
If just one line
A child's fear is real to them — even if not to us. Our job isn't to deny it, but to stay beside them until they're brave.
Recommended duas
Dua Before Sleeping
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَحْيَا وَبِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ
Read by the child before sleeping — a reminder that life and death are in Allah's hands.
Dua Entering the Bathroom
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
Read before entering the bathroom or toilet.
Supporting hadith
Related stories
Baby Mo & Baby Ais stories to read together with your little one.
