Dealing With Children's Fears

Fears

Of all age groups, toddlers are most liable to be constantly reminded of how small and vulnerable they are at any turn of life. Oftentimes, they experience the world as large and scary and fear for their place in it.

Their fears may most commonly be caused by:

Separation

Noises

Falling

Animals

Insects

Using the potty

Bathing

Bedtime

Fears are especially palpable to children in the dark and this may cause a lot of trouble at bedtime. During these moments, it is essential to be supportive - but the goal in the long run should be to help your toddlers develop the skills and confidence to work their fears out on their own.

Here are a few suggestions to help your kids cope:

Be sympathetic - but not overprotective

Listen and then talk - let your toddlers talk out their bad dreams. It's your job then to assure them that dreams are not real and there is nothing to be scared of

Don't prolong the good-byes - this only adds to their anxiety

Reassure them that you'll be back soon - give them an approximate time and then keep your promise

Help them develop skills - give your toddlers a small lamp to help them sleep or teach them to use a small flash light to learn to use the potty on their own

On the positive side, parents should realize that fear is a sign that their children are gaining a sense of their selves. It is a normal part of their children's cognitive development, as they learn to deal with the difference between the known and the new and unknown.