Activities for Children for Overcoming Fear

Coloring

• Drawing and coloring activities are a great way to begin identifying your child's fears. Children lack the same complex expression as adults, so coloring provides a simple creative outlet. Ask your child to draw what he or she is afraid of. Discuss why your child is afraid and find out what your child thinks the outcome will be. Have your child draw himself or herself overcoming the fear. This helps children feel that they have a degree of control over the outcome.

Exposure

• Exposure activities help decrease the intensity of fearful emotions by repeated exposure. They also help your child develop coping skills. For example, if your child is afraid of the dark, you can start by having your child stay in his darkened bedroom at night for very short amounts of time while you sit outside the door. You can start with 10 minutes and reassure your child that you are sitting at the door to insure his safety. Over time, repeated exposure desensitizes your child to that particular fear.

Role Play

• Role-playing games are a great way to help your child overcome fears. Role playing helps your child understand his feelings and feel less stressed in the situation. Children are commonly afraid of what they think will happen, so role playing allows your child to act out the situation and know what to expect. For example, if your child fears going to the doctor, you can act out a doctor's visit scenario.

Considerations

• Overcoming fear is a part of growing up. However, if your child's fear seems out of proportion to the situation, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. If you notice a frequent and pervasive pattern, it is a good idea to seek help from a counselor or child psychologist. Contact a mental heath professional with expertise in dealing with childhood fears.