Start by imagining or drawing 9 squares or circles. Behind each square you put an image or a thought. My earliest dream boards consisted mainly of kittens doing lots of different things. Favourite story characters, horses, puppies, a day at the beach and cartoons also featured prominently. Once you have all your squares filled, choose or point to a number on your imaginary dream board, close your eyes and wait to dream.
I forgot about my dream board until I shared the idea with B2 (Bonus child 2, Boy 2, youngest Brother,) he was worried about having nightmares. B2 loved the idea and let me put kittens behind his number 1, he choose puppies for number 2 and then I left him alone to work out the rest. Only nice things. Sweet dreams.
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| Thanks openspacesfengshui.com, you can try using the significance of each number to guide your dreams. |
What would you rather dream about?
Have you come up with your own inventive ways to stop children being afraid of nightmares?
Hi Ida,
ReplyDeleteNow there's a great idea. Indeed, that must certainly stimulate the thought process. Create images within the mind. I like that and I shall dream about what I'd place behind such a board.
I always found that having my son discuss through his nightmare seemed to put him at ease through the verbalisation.
A peaceful weekend to you.
Gary :)
Indeed the best way to overcome fears is discussing them. The only discussion about dreams I had as a child was that they were nothing to worry about. I couldn't stop worrying so I tried to take control. I remember the sense of pleasure it gave me to think of nice images, it filled the dark (night lights weren't invented back then) and it was better then fighting the urge to sleep.
DeleteHey Ida, beautiful concept. Thanks for introducing me to this nice idea. I cant wait to make my dream bored. Plus this can be amazing for kids.
ReplyDeleteHi Yamini, thanks I hope it brings you a lot of joy. I would love more kids to be introduced to the dream board, it's free, simple and enlightening.
DeleteI haven't heard of that before!
ReplyDeleteI made it up when I was about 8. Given your prolific reading I'm guessing that If you haven't heard of it before than it's quite possible that it has never been written about. :)
DeleteThis is cute - - -!
ReplyDeleteThanks Munir. I think it could also be used as a worry board. Think of 9 things you worry about (if you even have that many) and choose one to focus on at a time.
DeleteI've never heard of this concept. I've always enjoyed my dreams. Good or bad they have something to offer though I might not always be aware of what it is. I don't recall any of my children ever being troubled by dreams. I have encouraged them to embrace their dreams and listen to what they have to say.
ReplyDeleteLee
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Indeed Arlee I enjoyed your dream challenge in the 2013 A-Z challenge. I was a shocking insomniac as a child and used every trick in the book to get out of going to sleep (quite the opposite of my two siblings who loved sleeping) Bad dreams was part of the problem, I have learned to appreciate dreams, but a some of them - even the good ones - can still have a very deep effect on me for days at a time...My fear of dreams was dismissed as nothing to worry about, and therefore not talked about...I guess that's why I came up with the board...
DeleteHey Ida, long time no visit. I have tried this with groups of kids that I was working with. Its a nice concept and a great relaxation tool before sleep. I personally would love it to work its way into some lucid dreaming which I have never been successful at...Hope you are well... xo Z~
ReplyDeleteHi Zoe, I am so pleased to see that you affirm my belief that it is a great relaxation tool for kids before sleep. My understanding of lucid dreaming is simply being aware that you are dreaming. I have had it happen a few times during reflexology sessions when I have been very relaxed. I am not controlling anything just very aware that I am dreaming, or especially early in the morning as I'm waking up while still dreaming... If I find myself having a bad dreams I try to look at my feet and find that i can often change direction.
DeleteThey say everyone dreams, but I never remember mine. When I was a child I had a recurrent nightmare, years later as an adult I identified the dream as being associated with the movie The Wizard of Oz and the creepy wicked witch. Sure was nice those many years later to solve the mystery. Cute idea, dream boards...never heard of them before. I remember reading the cute book about monster having nightmares about kids...can't think of the name of the book; but always thought it was a good book to illustrate to kids not to be afraid.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy, I hear 'ya' loud and clear. The wizard of oz terrified me as a child, those flying apes and witch were in the corner of every nightmare, and the reason I wouldn't enter my bedroom if the light wasn't switched on for years. I too rarely remember dreams but I actually enjoy analysing the way my subconscious deals with my daily life when I do remember them. I love the monster concept thanks for sharing
DeleteThats an interesting way to do a dream board..... looks somewhat like a Fengshui chart too :-)
ReplyDelete