Childhood Fear From time to time , every child experiences fear. As youngsters explore the world around them, having new experiences . And confronting new challenges, anxieties are almost an unavoidable part of growing up.
Childhood Fear are common
According to one study , 43% of children between ages 6 and 12 had many fears concerns. A fear of darkness particularly being left alone in dark . One of the most common fears in this age of group.
So is a fear of animals , such as large barking dogs. Some children are afraid of fires, high places or thunderstorms. Others, conscious of news reports on TV and in the newspapers, are concerned about burglars. Kidnappers or nuclear war. If there has been a recent serious illness or death in the family. They may become anxious about the health of those around them.
In middle childhood, fears wax and wane. Most are mild, but even when they intensify, they generally subside on their own after a while.
About Childhood Fear &Phobias
Sometimes fears can become so extreme, persistent and focused that they develop into phobias. Which are strong and irrational fears – can become persistent and debilitating. Significantly influencing and interfering with a child’s usual daily activities. For instance , a 6-year -old’s phobia about dogs there. A10-year-old child might become so terrified about news reports of a serial killer. That he insists on sleeping with his parents at night.
some children in this age group phobias about the people they meet in their everyday lives. This severe shyness can keep them from making friends at school and relating to most adults , especially strangers. They might consciously avoid social situations like birthday parties or Scout meetings. They often find it difficult to converse comfortable with anyone expect their immediate family. If you want to earn money without investment Lumechronos .
Separation anxiety is also common in this age group. Sometimes this fear can intensify when the family moves to a new neighborhood. Children are placed in a childcare setting where they feel uncomfortable.
These youngsters might become afraid of going to summer camp or even attending school. Their phobias can cause physical symptoms like Headaches or stomach pains. Eventually lead the children to withdraw into their own world, becoming clinically depressed.
At about age of 6 and or 7 , as children develop an understanding about death , another fear can arise. With the recognition that death will eventually affect everyone, and that is the permanent and irreversible. The normal worry about the possible death of family members – or even their own death – can intensify. In some cases, this preoccupation with death can become disabling.
For more health advices visit : lumechronos health archive
Treating Childhood Fear & Phobias:
Fortunately, most phobias are quite treatable. In general, they are not a sign of serious mental illness requiring many months or years of therapy. However, if your child’s anxiety persist and interfere with her enjoyment of day-to-day life. He/She might benefit from some professional help from psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in treating phobias.
As part of the treatment plan for phobias. Many therapists suggest exposing your child to the source of her anxiety in small, nonthreatening doses. Under a therapist’s guidance a child who us afraid of dogs might begin by talking about his fear and by looking at photographs or a videotape of dogs. Next, she might observe a live dog from behind the safety window. Then with a parent or therapist at her side. She might sped a few minutes in the same room friendly, gentle puppy. Eventually she will find himself able to pet the dog, then expose herself to situations with larger, un familiar dogs.
The gradual process is called desensitization. Meaning that your child will become s little less sensitive to. The source of her fear each time she confronts it. Ultimately, the child will no longer feel the need to avoid situation that has been the basis of her phobia. While this process sounds like common sense and easy carry out. It should be done only under the supervision of a professional.
sometimes psychotherapy can also help children become more self-assured and less fearful. Breathing and relaxation exercises can assist youngsters in stressful circumstances too.
Occasionally, your doctor may recommend medications as a component of the treatment program, although never as the sole therapeutic tool. These drugs may include antidepressants, which are designed to ease the anxiety and panic that often underlie these problems.
for shopping about health care products visit: Lume Chronos healthcare shop
What parents can Do :
Here are some suggestions that many parents find useful for their children with Childhood Fear and phobias.
- Talk with your child about his anxieties, and be sympathetic. Explain to him that many children have fears, but with your support he can learn to put them behind him .
- Do not belittle or ridicule your child’s fears, particularly in front of his peers.
- Do not try coerce your youngster into being brave. It will take take time for him to confront and gradually overcome his anxieties. You can , however, encourage (but not force) him to progressively come face-to-face with whatever he fears.
Since fears are normal part of life. Often are a response to a real at least perceived threat in the child in child’s environment. Parents should be reassuring and supportive. Talking with you’re children , you should acknowledge , though not increase or reinforce, their children’s concerns. Point out what is already being done to protect the child and involve the child in identifying additional steps that could be taken.
Common causes include a child’s vivid imagination, exposure to new and unfamiliar situations (like starting school). Learned behaviors from adults or media, traumatic experiences (even if minor to an adult). And typical developmental stages (e.g., fear of strangers in infancy, fear of monsters in preschool).
Fears evolve with development. Babies (6-12 months) often fear strangers and loud noises. Toddlers (2-4 years) may fear monsters, the dark, or separation. School-aged children (5-12) often develop fears related to real-world dangers (storms, burglars, social rejection) or performance anxiety. Understanding these stages helps parents respond appropriately.
Instead of dismissing the fear, validate their feelings. Use practical tools like a night light, “monster spray” (water in a spray bottle), or a comfort object. Establish a calming bedtime routine and empower them by checking the room together. Praise their bravery after a successful night.
A normal fear is temporary and manageable, not severely impacting daily life. A phobia is an intense, persistent, and irrational fear that leads to extreme avoidance and distress. Significantly disrupting a child’s routine (e.g., refusing to go to school due to a dog phobia). If fears are debilitating, consult a child psychologist.
Stay calm and empathetic. Use phrases like, “I see you’re scared, and that’s okay. I’m here with you.” Avoid forcing them to confront the fear abruptly (“just get over it”) or excessively reassuring them. Which can reinforce the fear. Model calm behavior and problem-solve together.
Not necessarily. Most childhood fears are temporary and resolved with support. However, if fears are extreme. Persistent, or handled with excessive anxiety by caregivers. they can be a risk factor for future anxiety disorders. Early, supportive intervention is key to building resilience.
Practice short separations and build up duration gradually. Create a predictable and quick goodbye ritual (e.g., a special handshake). Always say goodbye—don’t sneak away—and reassure them you will return. Praise them for handling the separation well.
Consider professional help if the fear:
1) Causes panic attacks or extreme tantrums.
2) Persists for many months without improvement.
3) Interferes significantly with school, friendships, or family life.
4) If the child’s anxiety is causing them (or you) significant distress.
Play is a powerful tool. Through role-playing, puppets, or storytelling, children can safely express and master their fears. For example, playing “doctor” with a stuffed animal can reduce fear of medical visits. It gives them a sense of control in a non-threatening way.
Avoid shaming (“Don’t be a baby”), logical arguing (“There’s no monster, see?”), forcing sudden exposure, or modeling anxiety yourself. Also, avoid labeling them as “scaredy-cat.” These reactions can increase shame and make the fear more entrenched.
- How to help a child who is scared of the dark?
Focus on: Practical bedtime strategies, empowering the child, and using tools like nightlights and “monster spray.”
- How to teach a child to manage anxiety about school?
Focus on: Preparation routines, role-playing, positive visualization, and collaborating with teachers.
- How to handle a child’s fear of dogs or animals?
Focus on: Gradual, controlled exposure, educating about animal behavior, and modeling calmness.
- How to support a child through a fear of thunderstorms?
Focus on: Creating a “storm safe” routine, distraction techniques, and educational books about weather.
- How to build a child’s confidence after a scary experience?
Focus on: Validating feelings, using storytelling to reframe the event, and small bravery-building activities.
- How to use play to overcome specific fears?
Focus on: Examples like medical play for doctor fears, puppet shows for social anxiety, and superhero play for powerlessness.
- How to encourage a child to face their fears gradually?
Focus on: The concept of a “bravery ladder,” breaking down the fear into tiny steps, and celebrating small wins.
- How to stop your own anxiety from affecting your child?
Focus on: Self-awareness for parents, managing verbal and non-verbal cues, and presenting a united, calm front with a co-parent.
- How to create a “calm-down” kit for an anxious child?
Focus on: Sensory tools (stress balls, calming glitter jar), comfort items, and breathing exercise cards.
- How to talk to your child’s teacher about their fears?
Focus on: Key points to communicate, creating a collaborative plan for school, and establishing safe words or signals.
- How to know if you’re accidentally reinforcing your child’s fear?
Focus on: Common well-meaning mistakes (excessive reassurance, avoidance patterns) and healthier alternatives.
- How to help a toddler overcome separation anxiety at daycare?
Focus on: Transitional objects, consistent goodbye rituals, and building a relationship with the caregiver.
