*Give your child some loving reassurance, but try not to give too much attention to the issue at hand so that your child does not learn to use her fear of the dark as a way to delay falling to sleep at bedtime.
*Play in your child's room during the day so it is a space she is comfortable/familiar with.
*Make shadow puppets to help demystify the dark. You can do this either during the day or before bedtime.
*Use a dim nightlight. Just make sure it's not too bright so as not to disrupt your child's sleep. If you can read a book with the light on, then it's too bright.
*Offer a security object for your child to cuddle with such as a favorite soft toy, stuffed animal or lovie.
*Build your child's self confidence during the day.
*Keep the bedtime routine soothing, yet "light". It's always nice to go to sleep on a happy note.
Yours in sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby