While you may downplay your child's fear of small spaces, claustrophobia is a real fear that commonly develops during childhood. Simply telling your child not to be afraid won't soothe his anxiety. Even if you think his fear is completely unfounded, take the time to talk to your child about the reasons for his fear. You can also help your child gradually adapt to smaller spaces or seek professional help, if the anxiety persists.
Step 1
Treat your child's anxiety with genuine concern. It's difficult for children to gauge space and size, so the fear of being in a confined space is very real to him. Ignoring his fear, or forcing him into small spaces against his will, only reaffirms his fear -- or makes it worse.
Step 2
Explore the various reasons why your child may be scared of small spaces or being confined. It may be that she was once accidentally locked in a small area, and panicked when she couldn't get out. In this case, bringing her to the area again and demonstrating how you can safely get in and out may work to quell her fears.
Step 3
Talk to your child about how he feels when he's in small spaces. Some of the telltale signs of true claustrophobia include elevated heartbeat, sweating, choking sensations, muscular tension and unexplained fear. Employ tactics to manage those symptoms, such as deep breathing exercises, singing a certain song, or counting in his head to distract him from his fear.
Step 4
Introduce your child to smaller spaces on a gradual basis. Simply placing her in small room or space without her cooperation can make her even more afraid. Instead, start with a large space. Enter together, and work through the coping tactics that you've decided upon together. Then, try a smaller space, repeating the exercise. Continue until your child feels more comfortable and knows how to react to spaces such as small restrooms or closets.
Step 5
Seek professional help if coping tactics and graduation therapy don't seem to help your child's symptoms. In some cases, a fear of small spaces can be so deeply rooted in your child's consciousness that virtual reality therapy, where small spaces are simulated in a therapist's office, may be necessary. A therapist can also explore the reasons for the claustrophobia and suggest various exercises that you can try together to help cure your child's anxiety.
