Before our daughter experienced her first episode, I had never encountered the term “night terror.” Perhaps I had heard it before, but I always equated it with a typical nightmare. However, there is a significant distinction between the two. It’s akin to hearing about the angler fish and thinking it’s just another fish—until you see one and realize it’s downright bizarre and unsettling.
Our daughter was just 5 years old, fast asleep in her room, when a piercing scream shattered the night: “Mommy! Mooommmy!” Initially, I thought she was having a nightmare and rushed in to comfort her. But what I found was far from a simple bad dream. She was sitting upright in bed, sobbing uncontrollably. I attempted my usual comforting techniques—nothing fancy, just instinctive responses—but this was entirely different. Her eyes were wide open, yet she seemed lost in a world of her own. My partner, Alex, came in to lend a hand, and we turned on the light, hoping it might help.
Imagine the terror of seeing your child bolt upright, eyes wide and unseeing, crying out for you, while she seems completely unaware of your presence. I tried to get her attention, positioning myself in front of her, but she looked straight through me, trapped in her own panic as she repeated my name like a mantra.
No matter how much I shook her or called out, I couldn’t wake her from this nightmare. Panic gripped me. “What do we do? I don’t know what to do,” I said to Alex, my voice shaky. Tears threatened to spill as I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
If I had believed in demonic possession, I might have called a priest right then and there. In another time, our sweet girl might have faced dire consequences. This was a sight I had never witnessed before. Eventually, she calmed down and drifted back to sleep, completely unaware of her ordeal come morning.
The next day, I shared my experience with a friend, and she informed me that it sounded like a night terror. Her sons had experienced them too—one time, while camping, she had to hold one of them in the car as he screamed for her repeatedly. It turned out I wasn’t alone; several other friends had similar stories.
How was I so oblivious to this phenomenon? Night terrors should be added to the list of parenting realities that no one ever mentions, alongside postpartum challenges and those early days of motherhood.
While it’s possible your child may never experience night terrors, at least now you’ll be prepared if they do. No need to reach for the phone and call an exorcist.
For more about navigating the ups and downs of parenting, check out our guide on home insemination kits and discover helpful resources from March of Dimes regarding fertility treatments. Additionally, Happy MakeAMom Monday is a great place to find community support and adorable success stories.
Summary
Night terrors are a frightening experience for both children and parents, often mistaken for nightmares. These episodes can leave parents feeling helpless as their child screams and appears disoriented. It’s important to recognize the signs of night terrors and understand that they are a common phenomenon that many children experience. Being informed can help parents navigate these intense moments with more confidence.