Fear

Children's Common Fears

Infant and toddler fears:

• loud noises
• separation from parents or being with new people

Preschooler fears:

• baths
• dogs or other animals
• the dark, monsters
• change

School-age fears:

• bullies
• rejection or embarrassment
• death
• war
• illness
• not being able to breath
• parents arguing

Helping Children Overcome Fears

Parents and other adults can help children deal with developmental fears:

• accept their fears
• teach children about the things they fear
• hug and comfort children
• teach basic breathing and relaxation
• prepare children before scary situations occur
• reward children when they show courage
• have patience—they will outgrow many developmental fears

Other research-based resources for helping children and youth overcome fears:

• Fear and Courage-Helping Children Deal with Fears
• Understanding Children: Fears
• Making Immunizations Easier: A Guide for Reducing Your Child's Fear
• Helping Children Handle Disaster-Related Anxiety
• Children May Experience Long-Term Effects of Disaster
• Helping Children Cope with Stress
• Supporting Distressed Young People