When Children Are Fearful

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 13 Mar 2008 edition

 

 

When Children Are Fearful

by Dr Bill Maier

 

You haven’t lived until you’ve had to chase monsters out

from under your kids’ bed.

 

A lot of young children go through periods of fear and anxiety.

They may see ghosts hiding in the wardrobe or think giants

are out to get them. Some kids have bad dreams, while others

fear spiders or snakes.

 

As parents, we shouldn’t ignore these anxieties, but we

shouldn’t be too concerned either.

 

Talk to your kids about why they are afraid of certain things.

Teach them coping techniques, like deep breathing,

or visualising a happy place. And encourage them

to pray when they experience fear and anxiety.

 

All children go through childhood phobias to one degree

or another, and they almost always grow out of them

in time. If their fears persist, talk to your paediatrician.