child scared to sleep alone

my girlfriends child is afraid to sleep alone shes also afraid of the dark. she is 8 years old she slept alone for a period of time with no problem but recently since her mom allowed to sleep with her while i was at work now shes gotten very scared and wakes up at night crying and her mom then has to sleep with her or else sometimes she comes to our bed and sleeps there. i.ve tried talking to her telling her that she doesnt need to be scared that shes safe at home but she just doesnt want to listen and her mom is very soft aswell so when she sees her crying she will go with her to bed. what shouild we do??is it good that her mom stays with her in bed until she sleeps or will it be bad habit in the longterm??what should we do??

[April2]

This is one habit that may be hard to break but it can be done with patience. Get her a nightlight. Establish a bedtime routine with her that will help her settle down, like reading a book in her room with her, saying prayers, tucking her in and talking about her day.

Explain to her that she needs to stay in bed but that you all will be right down the hall and that she is safe. If she gets up, take her right back to bed, calmly. Keep doing it until she knows you're serious. It may take time but you can break the habit. Make sure you all stay calm and loving but be firm too. Give hugs and kisses but she stays in her bed. After awhile she will see that you all are serious and will stay in her bed.