Dear Dr. Meg,

I could use some advice about my son. He is four years old, and tells me about bad dreams where the “boogeyman” is trying to get him, hurt him, or stop him from getting to me. He has this concept that when I go to work I will leave him. He is very emotional and I really don’t know what to think anymore. I am scared for him. Do you have any words of wisdom?

Signed,

Nervous Mom

Dear Nervous Mom,

Many four-year-old boys have nightmares like the ones you are describing; it doesn’t mean that there is anything terribly wrong. Don’t be frightened. Fear never helps you resolve any problem and if your son sees you troubled, he will become more afraid himself.

Here’s what I recommend that you do. Find out what goes on in his life while you aren’t around. Has someone hurt him in any way that would have frightened him? Who babysits him while you are at work? Sometimes even a small, frightening incident that happened while you weren’t around can cause bad dreams in children. Ask him what he does while you’re at work or simply show up at daycare when no…