How to Help Children Overcome Fears

Most children have fears, which range from very-real thunderstorms overhead to those giant monsters lurking just under their imaginations. And a frightened child often leads to a frustrated parent---who wants to help but may not know how. Although it can be a challenge to control fear even in adulthood, it's important to remain patient with a child who expresses panic or alarm of any kind. The first step is letting go of your own fears, according to Debbie Milam, a pediatric occupational therapist and motivational speaker. Fear not: There are several ways to help your child feel less afraid.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You
• Your child

1. Release your own fears. Chances are, your child will mimic your emotions, so it's important to appear courageous. In addition, says Milam, your child needs to know that you are strong and will protect him or her in any circumstance, real or imagined.

2. Accept your child's fear. Do not make fun of your child for being scared, as this can lead to even more fear. Realize that, although most children will outgrow some of their fears, these emotions are very real for them, according to Purdue University's School of Consumer and Family Sciences.

3. Spend time with a frightened child and offer comfort. This will help him or her to feel safe and protected.

4. Monitor---and limit---what your child sees on TV. Watch what your child is watching, and switch off any violent or negative programming. Televised news reports also can increase fears, so opt for a newspaper to teach your child about current events: Read the paper together, then encourage discussion and even problem-solving, Milam suggests.

5. Talk with your child. Discuss his or her fears; ask what would make him or her less scared. Learn how your child expresses fear, i.e., biting nails or sucking a thumb. If your child learns what it feels like to be scared, he or she may be better able to express it in words, according to Purdue's School of Consumer and Family Sciences.

6. Express pride in your child's acts of bravery. Positive reinforcement will inspire even more courage in the face of fear.

Tips & Warnings

• Help ease your child's fears by reading inspiring stories, listening to soothing music and spending time outdoors in nature together, says Milam.
• If your child's fears are curtailing his or her enjoyment of life, Milam notes, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified play therapist.

References

• Helping Children Overcome Fears
• Helping Children Overcome their Fear