Scary television shows, movies, and books could also trigger a nightmare. Though it’s not always the case, the source of a bad dream can often be pinpointed to a stressful event or trauma that your child has recently experienced or is currently struggling with. In the case of a nightmare, your toddler will be able to explain in vivid detail everything that happened, from the monster’s fur to the size of the flames devouring the backyard. The biggest difference between a nightmare and a night terror is recall.