I have a similar story, great recall as a kid, mostly dreamed nightmares, which in turn became lucids.
Though my nightmares were probably influenced by all the horror movies i watched.
At becoming lucid i closed my eyes and then stretched my eyelids, and then opened them...
that technique always worked for me then, effectively changing the dream setting or waking me up.
At the age of 13-14 i had lost almost all of my recall.
A few months ago i wanted it all back, and i got what i wished for.
I started a Dream Journal and did regular Reality Checks and autosuggestion, MILDs when going to bed and WBTBs when i felt like it.
My recall slowly became better... now, i have atleast 1 dream per night and frequent LDs.
It's important to not rush it, stay focused, calm and positive.

Sweet Dreams, Kamickalo.