Fears & Anxieties of Children
By: Aspen Reeker
Fears
- Certain objects
- Child may feel extremely alert
- Natural and appear at certain times throughout development
- Develop from traumatic experiences
- Associated with avoidance, discomfort, and physical complaints: rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, trembling, sweaty palms
Phobias
- When a fear persists beyond the appropriate age and is beginning to interfere with daily functioning
- Developed by the people they meet in their everyday lives
- May be cured by a psychologist
- Desensitization- child will become less sensitive to source of fear as they get confronted
- If fears do not occur with daily life, consider psychological help
- Exposing your child to the source of her fear in small doses
Infant and Toddler Fears
- 43% of 6-12 had many fears and concerns
- Fear of darkness
- Strangers
- Separation from parents
- Large objects
- Loud noises
Preschool Fears
- Imaginary figures(Ghosts, monsters)
- Supernatural beings
- The dark
- Certain noises
- Sleeping alone
- Thunder
- Floods
School- Aged Children And Adolescent Fears
- More realistic
- Physical injury
- Health
- School performances
- Storms
- Death
Anxieties Among Children
- Social Anxiety- Children fear and worry in situations where they have to interact with other unfamiliar, also familiar people, or be the center of attention
- Separation Anxiety- Fear and worry children experience when they cant be with their parents or guardians
- Generalized Anxiety- Children tend to worry about many areas of life
Helping Overcome Fears
- Acknowledging their fear- Observe things that the child does that may cause them to be frightened and scared
- Talk it out- makes it less overwhelming
- Giving breaks
- Build up the child's confidence and self- esteem- giving more opportunities
- Spend extra time with your child when they seem to be afraid