What do children dream about? 11 Tips to nurture young dreamers

For children, the content and purpose of dreams are not fully understood. However, theories suggest that dreams help in memory formation and problem-solving.

What do children dream about? Do we know the meanings of their dreams? Dreams are basically information they’ve collected from their memory of how their bedroom looks like, toys they’re playing with, and how their parents look like. Dreaming also allows their conscious minds to build a footpath to their daily life. This occurs without self-awareness or control, and helps them to develop language. Dreams are a scientifically-proven process, which springs up in early childhood once they have acquired the capacity to imagine things visually and spatially.

Even if your little one can’t talk, it doesn’t mean that they are not collecting information about the world. According to research, children between ages 3 and 4, dream about non-moving and plain characters. These objects or characters have no emotions.

The meaning of children’s dreams may just be a supplement of their thoughts, feelings, and physical development. During sleep time, the memories they acquired during the day become a part of their dream.

As parents, our mission is to raise our children and understand their behaviour at home. This is why it’s essentially important for us to observe our little ones and try to sympathize with them. This helps in the process of learning and development, and boosts their self-confidence.

How to nurture young dreamers at home

There are many ways by which parents can take an active part in nurturing young dreamers at home. Here are some easy ones you can start now:

• Help your children discover their own passions.
• Help them to achieve their goals.
• Help them reach their milestones.
• Spend quality time with your little one. The bond between you two is essential.
• Listening and understanding are the keys to effective communication.
• Love them unconditionally. Let your children know how much you love them even when they feel bad.
• Raise aspirations in things that they haven’t done well. Encourage them to complete the task.
• Encourage independent-thinking and challenge stereotypes.
• Talk about what it means to aspire and how to do something to achieve their aspirations.
• Read books about famous people and share their aspirations. Include books about the people your child sees every day.
• Introduce your child to other people, talk about people in their community you and your child know, and how these people took action to achieve their goals

Every little dreamer needs to be nurtured, loved, and accepted because dreams are the source of their interests, passion, and goals.

About the Author

Shalina Harj is a qualified Teacher from London, United Kingdom. She has been working as a teacher for 18 years. She worked in London for 8 years, and then moved to Dubai in 2008. Until this day, she has been working with different age groups, studying and understanding the development of a child. At present, she is working as a teacher in The Little Dreamers Nursery.