Irrational Fears In Childhood: What You Need To Know

Irrational fears in childhood are common in many children. Unfortunately, this can be a source of frustration for parents as it often seems like nothing they say or do seems to help them.

Children can have irrational fears in childhood of everything from monsters under the bed and darkness to completely everyday sounds and objects. Keep in mind that these fears are common in childhood. The role of parents is to convey a sense of security and support for their children.

At the same time, it is important to know that the goal is not to remove their anxiety completely. It is rather to help them learn to deal with their irrational fears in childhood, so that they have less impact on their lives.

Helping them control their fears is the most important thing. It can be achieved if you just follow a few steps that we cover in this article.

One study suggests that parents need to identify their children’s fears and confirm that they are genuine for their children. It is important to be calm, show empathy and, above all, never force children into scary situations that they can not handle. Read this article to learn more.

How to overcome irrational fears in childhood

Respect their opinions

The first piece of advice when it comes to helping your child overcome irrational fears in childhood is to respect his or her opinion. Although the fear may seem unfounded, the child has his own reasons for feeling this fear. As a parent, you need to listen to and respect his or her feelings.

All children have the right to express their fears. These should not be reduced or waved away, and you should not force your children to show too much courage. You need to understand your children and use them in a respectful way to help them feel safer.

2. Give them all the information they need

Although it may seem obvious, it is often necessary to give children all the information they need. Children still discover how the world around them works and the elements that surround them. It is a stage during which they still do not fully grasp the cause and effect.

The more information you give your children, the more they will know about the world around them, and the less they will worry about it.

For example, if they are afraid of storms, tell them where the thunder and lightning come from. Do not forget that this knowledge helps them feel calmer and more secure.

3. Check their media consumption

Thirdly, you need to keep in mind that pictures from movies, video games, music videos and even TV news can have a negative impact and exacerbate irrational fears in childhood. For this purpose, we recommend that you keep an eye on your child’s media consumption.

You can also teach your child to use the remote control to turn off the TV when anxious images are displayed. As a parent, you need to learn how to provide age-related content responsibly.

4. Radiate confidence and calm

One way to help your child overcome irrational fears in childhood is to show that you are not afraid. Just telling him or her not to be afraid can only make certain situations worse.

But if your little one can see your self-confidence and calm, he or she will begin to believe that there really is nothing to fear. It is a great way to give your child the courage he or she needs to overcome irrational fears in childhood.

5. Read books for those who are about fear

Our last suggestion is to read children’s books that show scary situations to help them overcome their fears. It is a useful strategy that allows children to identify with a character who shares their anxiety and fears.

This shows the children that there are others who feel the same way, which makes them more open about their own fears. Putting their fears into words helps alleviate their anxiety.

Finally, do not forget that all children need help to overcome irrational fears in childhood. It’s an age where they learn about and discover their surroundings and that’s why you need to respect their anxiety.

It is not possible for them to overcome their fears at once, but they will learn to deal with them better and more constructively. Do not hesitate to use these tips to help your children.