Q:Our toddler has an active imagination and has become convinced there are monsters in the wardrobe.No amount of reassuring helps.What's our next step?

A:When children get anxious,they'll look to their parents for reassurance and guidance.It's a fine balance between reassuring and giving too much attention to the concern,and suggesting the worry is valid.In the case of monsters,if you actually check that there are no monsters,it may suggest to your little one that you weren't sure yourself!
 Try changing your tactics.At bedtime when the question come,calmly and confidently state there are no monsters and leave it at that.Continue on your settling routine with no other discussion about it.Be consistent in this approach and the phase will pass.