How to Deal With a Child Who Has a Fear of Bugs

Educating your child can help alleviate fears.

Children have many fears, and a fear of bugs might be one of them. Many children fear creepy crawlers and slimy bugs, to the point that they will not go outside and play. Helping your child deal with his fear of bugs might seem impossible, but there is hope in sight. Following several simple steps can help eliminate or at least reduce the fears your child has regarding bugs and insects.

Instructions

1. Educate your child on bugs and how helpful they can be to the environment. Take your child to the local library and look at picture books of bugs that are common to your area. Take a field trip to a local zoo and browse the insect exhibit to help your child become familiar and comfortable with bugs.

2. Remove the bug or your child from the area if you see one nearby. Talk to your child in a calm voice and remind her about the books she read, most of which will state that bugs do not want to hurt people. Allow her to look at the bug if she wants, but do not force her to interact with it if she is scared or uncomfortable.

3. Talk to your child about why she is fearful of bugs. She could believe all bugs are poisonous or that she will get bit if a bug comes near her. Calming her fears by acknowledging them and giving counterpoints can be an important step in helping your child deal with a fear of bugs. For example, if she fears a beetle will bite her if it gets to close, remind her that she is much faster than the beetle and can run away before he would catch her.

4. Role model for your child when a bug is near. If you jump up, run and scream when a bug comes near you, you can expect your child to do the same. Remain calm, remove yourself or the bug from the situation and tell your child that there is nothing to be scared or worried about.

5. Catch lightening bugs or other non-harmful bugs to show your child that bugs can be fun and playful like other animals. Trap the bugs in a glass jar and watch how they glow at night. Have your child release the bugs and tell her you can catch more the next night. This can be a small start in helping your child overcome and deal with her fear of bugs.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not force your child to interact with bugs if she is uncomfortable or scared. Simply stay calm when a bug is around, remove it or your child from the situation and move on. Your child may keep a fear of bugs for quite some time, so you need to be patient when dealing with this.

Resources

• Kid's Health; Anxiety Fears, and Phobias; October 2010