How to Cure a Fear of Bugs

The fear of bugs is a common fear that many children share. Sometimes the fear of bugs is a result of being stung, bit or climbed on by a bug, but other times it's a fear without any decipherable root cause. Bugs can be scary to young children, because they tend to move quickly and can appear to be chasing them. If your child has a fear of bugs, try using these steps to cure his fear.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Acknowledge your child's fear without condoning associated undesirable behaviors. For example, tell your child that "I hear that you are scared of bugs, but when we are scared of bugs, we do not scream." Then provide an alternate way to respond. "We walk away from bugs if we are scared."

2. Model to your child that bugs aren't scary. Let your child see you respond positively to bugs. For example, don't jump and run out of the room when you see a spider. Instead, say something like "Oops, that silly spider is lost. Let's help him find his way home" and relocate it outdoors.

3. Purchase or make a bug exploration kit. A children's fishing net, a children's magnifying glass, a container with a cover that has holes in it and a pair of plastic tweezers make the perfect bug exploration kit. Don't force your child to use it, but model how to use it in front of him.

4. Rent the movie "It's a Bugs Life." This cute movie starring bugs may help your child to lose their fear of bugs as they see bugs being funny and silly.

5. Sing a song, make up a poem or say a prayer about bugs. Singing a song like "Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me" or making up a poem or prayer about bugs going away can help to empower a child and make them feel in control of a situation where bugs are present.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your attitude about bugs relaxed. Don't place a lot of emphasis on the child's fear and don't go out of your way to avoid bugs. It will only reinforce your child's fear.
• Don't try to talk your child out of their fear or force them to touch or look at bugs. Young children do not have the logical reasoning skills to understand.