The importance of being afraid

Frightened dark skinned little boy covering face with both hands as if being afraid to see something scary.

Being afraid is normal for every person and, of course, for kids too. Moreover, fear is a very important emotion that helps child to be cautious. That’s why some things and actions have to be frightening for kids, otherwise they can harm themselves. When children are afraid they learn to manage their emotions, understand risks and evaluate the threat.

The things that may frighten kids change as they grow up.

Infants can recognize the faces of people they know, but can be afraid of new faces.

Toddlers are usually afraid of being separated from a parent.

Young kids like to imagine and pretend. Sometimes they can’t even distinguish if the thing that makes them afraid is real or not. They know for sure there are scary monsters under the bed and may experience nightmares.

Kids ages 7 and older realize there are no monsters under the bed, but begin to fear real-life dangers. They may be afraid of natural disasters, death of a loved person, feel anxious about fitting with friends.

How can you help when your child is afraid?

Be patient and calm. Give hugs and let your child feel safe.
Explain that it is normal to be afraid and from time to time all people, including mom and dad get scared.
Talk about what do people feel when they are afraid: our hearts start to beats fast, we breath quickly, our hands may shake or sweat.
When a kid tells you the reason of his or her fears try not to say “There is nothing to be afraid of”, “That’s so silly”, “You are not a baby to be afraid of such things”. We believe that these statements may be reassuring, but instead the child may think there is something bad about feeling like this.
Ask your kid, what scarred him or her and if there is something that kid would like to change. Some things frighten us because we don’t understand them.
Help your kid to face his fears. It’s not so frightening to check together for under-bed monsters. With your support kid will realize there is nothing to fear.
Some fears don’t have to be faced, but avoided. Limit the scary movies, images and shows that child sees.
Most kids get over their fears, but the support of the parents is very important for them. Talk and listen to your kid. Help him or her to express the reasons of their fears and to find their own source of courage and serenity.