how can i help dd with nightmares?

[sunbaby]

dd is 5 1/2 and in the past two weeks has been afraid to fall asleep because of nightmares. the dreams she has described are ones in which 'monsters, bad guys, and cheetahs' are pursuing her, me, daddy, little brother and our cats.
we try to lead a pretty pleasant, relaxing life, and we dont have tv or scary books. is this a normal stage? how can i help her? she is so scared.
for the time being, she says sleeping with me makes her feel safe, but the whole family bedsharing simply doesnt work for us since ds is still attached to my breast much of the night, and i just cant take another body in the bed, i need sleep too.

[cmb123]

When my oldest was about 3 I started making "no more bad dream spray." It's just water and a little lavender essetial oil in a squirt bottle. I've used it for all 3 kids. I told them it is a secret magic reciepe that I can't tell them until they are mommies and daddies. My youngest (now 6) insists on it every night. The older 2 still ask for it some nights too. I make a ritual of going around the room (or let her do it), and spraying. It has always worked without fail.

[FancyPants]

My mother told me to remember/imagine the dream (nightmare) and to change the ending. This worked for me, ever since.

[FancyPants]

I think the lavender spray is brilliant btw

[MamaBug]

Moving this to Childhood Years