Fears are a normal part of growing up. Many children experience fear of the unfamiliar because they would rather know what is going to happen and when. If your child experiences fear of things he has not experienced before, you can help him overcome his fears and learn to be more secure. Teaching your child to deal with his fears will enable him to approach new situations with less anxiety and more confidence.
Step 1
Talk to your child about her fear of the unfamiliar. Ask her questions about what scares her and why she gets scared in new situations. Encourage her to give you specific examples so you can learn more about what causes her fear.
Step 2
Validate your child's fear. Let your child know that you take his fear seriously. Offer him support by giving him words of encouragement and telling him that you will help him until he is no longer scared, suggests Kids Health.
Step 3
Teach your child coping strategies. If she is scared of new situations, make plans ahead of time for her to see the environment and meet the people involved. If she knows what to expect, she is likely to have less fear when the time comes to interact with the new situation. Encourage her to tell herself that she is all right and that she can do this, says Kids Health. Teach your child visualization techniques so she can think about positive things when she starts to feel frightened.
Step 4
Expose your child to the unfamiliar situations that scare him a little at a time. If he is scared of starting a new school year, try driving to the school and looking at it from the outside. Next time, go inside and walk through the halls. Another time go to your child's classroom and look around. If he is scared of meeting new people, set up a few times for your child to interact with his new peers before the first time he goes to a new place or environment.
Step 5
Act as a safe place for your child. Tell your child that you will be there if she needs you and tell her to come to you when she is scared. Accompany your child to new situations and stay for a few minutes while she gets adjusted. Show her some interesting things in her new environment and encourage her to get involved.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep trying until your child is comfortable facing new situations. Offering praise when he is able to face his fears will help motivate him to keep trying.
- Do not criticize your child for being scared because it will not empower her to face her fears. Do not force your child to face his fears without preparation and coaching because it may intensify his fear and prolong the process of overcoming what he is scared of.
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