How to Help Children Cope With Fears

All children are afraid of new things. Something as benign as the dark or a neighbor's pet can become terrifying through a child's active imagination. How you handle your child's fears has an influence on how he will handle fears in adulthood. Follow these steps to soothe you child's fears.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Stay calm, whatever the situation. In times of crisis, it is natural for you to have fears. Take deep breaths and show your children you are brave enough to accept whatever the situation brings.

Step2

Show understanding towards your child's fears. Ridicule will make them worse. It also breeds distrust and will drive your child to keep quiet about his fears, which can cause all kinds of problems later.

Step3

Put the situation into perspective. Kids need explanations. Explain the barking dog is just saying hello or it is really her big brother in the monster costume.

Step4

Find something positive about the situation. Tell him after the thunder and lightening are over, pretty flowers will grow and you will take him to see them.

Step5

Distract your child with humor. When she runs to you because she thinks there is a monster under the bed, make a show of chasing him out and forbidding him to come back.

Step6

Encourage your child's creativity in resolving his fears. Pretend the bathtub is the ocean and his rubber toys are his companions. Ask him to tell you about his amazing voyage.

Step7

Expose your child gradually to situations she fears like school or the park. Go there with her when there isn't so much going on so she can get comfortable with the place. Role play scary situations so she is prepared.