How can i tell what my child's nightmares are about?

Talk to them: If your child is waking up due to nightmares go into their room and comfort them, talk with them about the nightmare and reassure them that they are safe. Some nightmares are actually night terrors (the child will scream in their sleep and not remember it in the morning). Comfort your child the same way through these but don't expect them to remember what they are about.

You may not be able: Many kids are never able to describe what a nightmare was about and mostly its not as simple as a child saying I am afraid of this and you fix it and move on. Most dreams and nightmares are not that simple. Provide them comfort and calm and reassure them that they are safe. My daughter felt better when i showed her our locks and alarm system and us down the hall for instance.