Understanding your children's dreams and nightmares

By Dr Pam Spurr

You might think the dreams and nightmares your child has are a complete mystery. But worry no more, as here our children's dream expert, Dr Pam Spurr, reveals the hidden meanings in your child's dreams and nightmares

If there's one thing bound to get parents talking, it's their children's sleeping habits. This includes whether their child has had a terrifying nightmare or an amazing dream. With a little bit of understanding you can start deciphering the symbolism in your child's dreams. Here are the most common dream and nightmare images I've come across and their meanings. Over breakfast, try asking your child a few key things - their strongest emotion in their dream, the most important image plus any details that stand out.

Remember that sometimes it's impossible to get to the bottom of a dream and some are simply random symbols thrown together.

Four common dream symbols

Flying or having superhero-type powers

They dream of swooping, flying, and possessing other amazing powers that make them feel fantastic. Common to all age groups.

What this means: These happy images can symbolise that the child's going through a joyful period of emotional/personal growth. They're taking things in their stride - like learning new skills. Keep doing what you're doing, and encouraging them!

Discovering something such as buried treasure

They have an excited feeling of having unearthed or discovered something. These dream images are more common with young children from 4 to 7.

What this means: often these reflect their pride and confidence over mastering something specific, e.g., something like learning to tie their shoes. Give them lots of opportunities to develop skills.

Talking to animals or the family pet

These creative and inspiring dream images are more common in younger children from 4 to 7.

What this means: Such dreams can symbolise a deep attachment to a specific family pet or more generally to an enjoyment of nature. A good indicator of natural creativity - get them involved in projects with nature or in looking after a pet.

Happily scaling a mountain or other height

Although there is a challenge in such dreams - like climbing a mountain - there's a great sense of accomplishment, adventure and happiness. Common to all ages.

What this means: Such dreams can symbolise a child knowing they're facing a challenge but they are happy and confident about it, rather than daunted. Encourage their sense of accomplishment in whatever they're learning right now.