Children’s Most Common Fears
All children are afraid of different things, but they usually have certain fears in common. Here we list some of children’s most common fears, as well as how to help them overcome them.
Fears are part of the learning process for children, as well as overcoming them. Parents play an important role in this and help their children by providing support and advice.
Children’s most common fears
Afraid of the dark
It is common for children to be afraid of the dark. The fear can occur at the earliest around 2 years. It is around this age that children become aware that they are in a dark room.
Suddenly they find themselves in a dark room without any light, completely alone, with their fantasies working against them. It can cause them to panic. Parents can help their children overcome their fear of the dark in several ways, for example:
- Be with them in the dark for a while so that they understand that there is nothing to be afraid of.
- Place a night light on the bedside table so that they are not in complete darkness.
- Stick luminous stars and stickers on the ceiling in the bedroom so that they can shine during the night.
- Create stories about the sun, moon and stars so that your children understand that the stars and the moon always protect them.
Nightmares
Nightmares are also high on the list of children’s most common fears. It usually makes them wake up abruptly and sometimes they scream and sweat too.
In a nightmare, parents should reassure their children and explain that the nightmares are not real. They are part of a child’s imagination and will not really happen. When children have had a nightmare, they need the love of their parents and also need to know that mom and dad are there to help.
Masquerade costumes and people dressing up
Many children are afraid of people who have dressed up. The children do not understand that there is a person under the suit. Children distrust what they do not recognize.
To overcome this fear of children, the person who has dressed must show his face. In this way, the children realize that it is someone they recognize inside, or at least that it is an ordinary person. Parents can also dress up their children to help them overcome their fear of masquerade costumes and see it as something fun.
Fear of water
Water is another common fear of children, but in many cases it later becomes a fun pastime. This fear can be the result of two factors:
- As humans, we can experience anxiety when we know we cannot breathe underwater.
- A traumatic past experience of water.
To overcome the fear, first of all, do not force your child to be in the water if he or she does not want to. Explain to your child and show how other children and adults play in the water without being in danger. It helps them understand that they can do it too.
To go to the doctor
Finally, the fear of going to the doctor is also very common. From a young age we begin to associate doctors with pain. It is important to explain to your children what should happen before going to the doctor. Then your children know what to expect and the anxiety decreases.
The goal is to make the children aware that the doctor is there to help and not cause harm. How the doctor treats his patients is extremely important when it comes to children, especially if they are scared. It is a sensitive moment, so be sure to choose a pediatrician who is patient and kind.
Promising children that they will be rewarded if they behave well can also make them more courageous and motivate them to overcome their fears.
