Daniel's Scary Night / Katerina's Scary Night
Ages 2–6 PeacockPBS 28 min
Daniel is scared of the dark at night and learns the strategy 'Close your eyes and think of something happy.' A warm, practical episode for bedtime fear.
Episodes to watch 2
Camping
Ages 3–7 Disney+ 7 min
The family camps out and nighttime brings some unexpected fears. Bandit's patient, gentle response to Bingo's nighttime anxiety models exactly how parents can help without dismissing the fear.
Books to read 3
There's a Nightmare in My Closet
Ages 3–6
A boy confronts the nightmare in his closet — only to find it's more scared than he is. A classic reframe that teaches children they can face scary things, and that scary things often need compassion, not avoidance.
What to Do When You're Scared and Worried
Ages 5–8
A practical, warm guide for children ages 5–12 dealing with fears and worries. Written by a child psychologist, it gives children concrete strategies — breathing, reality-testing, facing fears gradually — in accessible language.
The Darkest Dark
Ages 3–7
Inspired by astronaut Chris Hadfield's childhood fear of the dark, this book reframes darkness as the backdrop for imagination and adventure. A genuinely empowering approach to nighttime fear.