My daughter is afraid to sleep alone

[jill45]

Hi doctor I have a question. My 4 year old daughter is horrified to sleep in your room. She shares a room with her younger sister who is 2 years old. We start the process of bedtime around 8pm. She will go into bed, bt the minute the lights go out she is screaming. She yells that she wants someone to sleep with her, that she doesn't want to be alone, that she sees a claw on her wall. When I look at her there is real fear in her eyes. She wants either me or my husband to lay with her until she falls asleep. I am not sure what I can do to help her.
I have tried to explain to her that there is nothing that will hurt her and that myself and her dad are only a room away. Please help me . Thank you.

[jill45]

Yes she has all of the above.

[AnnieBrooke]

Does she have a nightlight?  Does she have a calming routine before bed?  Does she have a favorite snuggly animal or other toy to sleep with?