How to Help Children Conquer Fears

If you think back to your childhood, you may remember trembling under the covers -- terrified of the monster in the closet. Fear is a normal experience of childhood, according to an article on the University of Rochester Medical Center website. Babies are afraid of loud noises and strangers. Toddlers typically fear separation from a parent. Most 3- and 4-year-olds are anxious about creepy crawly things, monsters, animals and dark places. For older children, UMRC advises, fears revolve around social situations, such as how they are regarded by peers. Gentle encouragement and patience are the best way to help your child conquer his fear.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for signs of anxiety. Sweating palms, twitching, shortness of breath, clinginess, difficulty sleeping, nausea, headaches and stomachaches are all indicators that your child is fearful. As a parent, you'll be able to pick up on more subtle cues too.

    • 2

      Assess your child's fear. Children conquer many of their fears with maturation and the passage of time. A 4-year-old who is afraid of monsters under the bed will have forgotten his anxiety by his 5th birthday. By his 6th birthday, he may be afraid of the dark, but fascinated by snakes and lions. If your child's fear is age-appropriate, it may be best to take a wait-and-see approach.

    • 3

      Talk about the fear. Ask your child to explain what he is feeling and acknowledge the reality of his fear. Don't be dismissive or derogatory. Telling your child that his fear is silly will only make him ashamed. Confiding in you and having his feelings validated may take some of the power away from your child's fears.

    • 4

      Don't force your child to confront his fears all at once. Making a child who is afraid of snakes go into a room full of snakes is a tactic likely to backfire, according to URMC. A gradual approach is better. The KidsHealth website suggests establishing a safe "home base." For instance, if you were outside the snake house at the zoo, you could have your child use you as "home base" and get as close to the house as he wants. Assure your child that he can always come running back to you.

    • 5

      Use easy fixes. Your child may need help coping with fear until he matures a little. Offer simple solutions without enabling your child. For instance, you might crack the door or plug in a night light if your child is afraid of the dark. Or, you could offer a teddy bear as protection against monsters and check under the bed before you leave the room.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Get a Penpal for Kids
      Writing to a pen pal can be a rewarding experience for any child. They will learn about other cultures and build writing skills without realizing it. Pen pals can take the form of online or snail-mail pen pals. Online pen pals have the benefit of pro
    • How to Be a Fun Parent
      Laughter, play and imagination come easily for children, but parents often get stuck in the serious adult responsibilities of life. When you are too serious, youll miss out on all those opportunities to play and bond with your child. Of course your c
    • How Parents Can Run For Local Office
      What began as a typical Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, approximately 80 miles west of San Antonio, ended in tragedy. After yet another mass shooting at a school, 19 students and two teachers are dead. Many parents across th