I am a mother of a 2-year-old toddler who has recently developed a fear of the dark. My child refuses to sleep alone in a dark room and often wakes up crying in the middle of the night. I am concerned about how to tackle this issue as it is affecting her overall sleep schedule, and I am not sure about the best approach to take. I have tried leaving a night light on, but it doesn't seem to calm her down. I am looking for some effective ways to help my child overcome her fear of the dark or any other common fears that can typically affect toddlers. Any tips or advice from experienced parents or experts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I have a 2-year-old daughter who recently started showing signs of separation anxiety. It started when we changed her daycare setting, and she became nervous and clingy when I left her at drop-off. I noticed that explaining the details of the day and engaging her in activities before leaving helped her stay calm and occupied. Additionally, I found being consistent with my routine helped to ease her anxiety - I would say the same goodbye line and offer a reassuring hug before leaving.
While she struggled initially, over time, she began to adapt and be much more comfortable with the separation. We also encouraged her to express her emotions and talked about how it's okay to miss people and the things you love, and that we will come back for her.
It is essential to give your child time to adjust to new changes and provide a supportive environment. Separation anxiety, while challenging, is a common fear that many toddlers experience, and it is essential to be patient, attentive, and communicate honestly about any changes that are happening.