How To Help Your Child Get Over Their Fears

It’s natural in life to have fears - we have them as adults and our children also can have them. Yet if you find that your child is scared of something, you’re going to want to do what you can to help them get over them. This can help them grow as a person and make them more resilient and strong. Plus, if their fear is stopping them from doing something, showing they can get over this and accomplish what they were afraid of can be a real confidence booster. In this article we have put together some top tips to help your child get over their fears and feel much better going forward. Whether they’re scared of flying, of the doctor or dentist, these should help.

Encourage them to talk about their fears

The first thing you need to do if your child is feeling scared is to encourage them to talk about them. Find out why they might be feeling scared about something, where it could stem from and what it is they’re afraid of happening. Ensure they know it’s a safe space where they can speak openly about what it is that’s bothering them and you’ll be there to help and listen. Show them no matter how big or small their fear is that you can assist and keep them safe. 

Show them why while their fears are valid, there is an explanation

Once your child has spoken to you about their fears, sit down and speak rationally with them. Show them that while their fears are perfectly valid, there is a reason for why they feel that way and you can help to fix it. For example, if they are afraid of the dentist, teach them what exactly it is dentists do, how they can help them have nice teeth and take them to a family friendly dentist who can put their mind at ease such as https://www.spectrumfamilydentistry.com/. ​

Allow your child some control over the situation

Something that plays a big part in fears is not having any control over a situation. To help them out, ensure they feel a bit more in charge of what they are afraid of. For example, if your little one is scared of the dark, try to establish a solid bedtime routine that helps them to feel relaxed and calm. Predictable bedtimes and routines are important for lessening anxiety. You could also add a nightlight in the bedroom that they can switch on and off and don’t let them view any scary TV shows or books as these can cause fears to develop.

These are just a few top tips that should help your child get over their fears. Keep in mind that it’s not necessarily easy for them to stop feeling scared and they won’t necessarily get over them overnight. What are some top tips you have for helping your child get over their fears? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

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