Depending on the age of your child, any number of fears can be an issue. From the fear of separating, to the fear of the dark, fear of animals and even irrational fears, excessive fear can limit the activities you're able to enjoy with your child. To help your child overcome excessive fear, it's important to acknowledge and validate fears without catering to them. Instead of belittling your child and allowing fears to go unacknowledged, show your child that you care by suggesting ways to deal.
Step 1
Acknowledge your child's fears by agreeing that they have some merit. Whether your child is afraid of the dark, separation or dogs, talk about how those things can be scary. The dark is frightening and unknown, a dog can bite, and people get separated and sometimes don't come back. Acting as though your child's fears are silly and unwarranted can make him feel as though you don't care, or ashamed of his fear, notes AskDrSears.com.
Step 2
Talk to your child about ways to cope with fears without catering to them, suggests the University of Iowa Cooperative Extension. For instance, if your child harbors a fear of dogs, talk about asking the owner if the dog is safe and allowing the dog to sniff your child's hand before petting, rather than crossing the street when a dog is near. Avoiding the fears is a short-term solution for most children, and won't allow your child to actually overcome her fears.
Step 3
Learn to anticipate fear so you can predict when your child will be afraid and make allowances for those fears. If your child has been invited to a friend's house for a sleepover and you know she'll be scared in the dark, send a flashlight along with his pillow and sleeping bag. Warn others of his fears so they can make allowances without being taken aback by the excessive fears. Prepare your child if you know you'll be in a scary situation, like practicing small absences before your child goes to school, suggests HelpGuide.org.
Step 4
Teach your child to rate her fear based on how she feels, suggests the website KidsHealth. Rating her fear on a scale from 1 to 10 can help her give her fear a more physical appearance and way to cope. If you know that her fear is at a level 2 or 3, she can cope on her own. If her fear reaches a 9 or 10, you may want to stay with her and suggest ways to cope. It's a good gauge to know what you, as a parent, should do for your fearful child.
