they're going about it all wrong...

If someone really wanted to torture an enemy, they can forget the electrical shocks and cutting off fingers one by one. All they need to do is put them within earshot of a toddler's bedroom while the toddler is screaming, "Hold you, mommy. Love you, mommy." while crying hysterically. I'd take needles in my eyes over what I endured after putting Emory to bed tonight.

Emory has recently endured a scare in the form of a really loud individual dressed up as a superhero. Since said scare she has not rested well and is afraid even during the day. In the car on the way to Walmart the other day she begged to go home, and while we were there she refused to stay in the buggy. We are praying with her and singing lots of hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs during the day in order to keep her thoughts focused but I just don't know what to do about easing her fears at bedtime.

We've tried rocking her for a while, but she takes forever to fall asleep and doesn't stay asleep once you put her in bed. She refuses to sleep with us in our bed. So, all I know to do is go back in her room every couple of minutes and reassure her that we love her and that God is with her and pray with her again. Any suggestions on how to handle the fear of our toddler?