How to deal with childhood fears?

Throughout children's development, they experience a wide variety of fears. Most of these fears are temporary and serve to protect them from possible harm and help them cope effectively with new and threatening situations.

It is normal and even positive for a child to feel fear, as it is assumed to be in a state of alertness that protects them from potential risks. Certain fears, such as fearing strangers, being separated from their parents, or the dark, are common in almost all children, they are mostly temporary, of low intensity, and specific to a particular stage of development. These fears will be overcome with a little help or almost spontaneously.

What is concerning about fears in children is if these fears persist too long or cause a disproportionate state of anxiety.

Children's Fears According to Age

• At 1 year old: they are startled by loud noises, strangers, and being separated from their parents.
• From the age of 2: They don't like darkness, are afraid of certain animals, and still don't want to be separated from their parents.
• At 3 and 4 years old: their fears become more pronounced. Their imagination comes into play and monsters hiding in the dark appear. Additionally, they are scared of natural phenomena like thunder.
• From 5 to 6 years old: Fear of evil beings is added, along with fear of doctors.
• Ages 7 to 8: They still fear the dark and supernatural beings, plus the fear of being ridiculed in school is added.
• From 9 to 12 years old: They are particularly sensitive to school, social acceptance, and loneliness.

The challenge for parents in these cases is knowing how to help the child manage that fear and act appropriately to help it naturally disappear.

How to Help a Child with Fear?

To address children's fears, the first step is to identify what causes them and talk about the things that scare them, that is, to make the child feel heard and convey that feeling fear is normal. The second step is to be understanding, provide security and confidence. This can be done through phrases that can be said at certain times like: I am brave or I am strong.

It is necessary to encourage the child to face their fears gradually and progressively, teaching them how to manage anxiety and offering them a positive view of the world while helping them focus on something else.

The fourth step is not to ridicule them, not to punish them for being afraid. It is best to support them and show them that they can face their fears and that we will be there to support them.

Granting them some power over the situation by using security objects like turning on a small light or having a teddy bear to sleep with. And finally, facing the fear with a lot of humor, turning the scary aspects into funny characteristics through drawings and jokes.

Fears are not a cause for great concern. But if they are persistent and intense, negatively affecting the child's development, studies, or daily life, it is advisable to seek help from a professional.