Need Help with Childs Fears....

My daughter is 8 and still has fears too. The advice the phychitrist gave was simple (but so hard to follow through on)She said that current research is showing that kids need to be exposed to their fears as quickly as possible. One thing I had to so was sit in my car and refuse to walk her into the school...a whole lot harder than it sounds. I like the ideas about the pill bug and ants. Perhaps going to the zoo and then to a more natural setting? Good luck Jackie

Hi B. Jo,
Are you or your husband afraid of wild animals? Is someone she is around a lot? My sister-in-law (EX) is afraid of all bugs (among other things) and when my nephew was around 2 or 3 yrs old, he was in the backyard and started screaming. We ran outside to see what was wrong and on the ground were ants. He was totally freaking out! Another time I showed him a pill bug that was all curled up. I told him to watch and when the little bug opened up and started walking he burst into tears. Have you tried getting books and toys about wild animals? Maybe showing her how cute baby wild animals are might help. I also L. the Fisher Price Zoo toy with all the wild animals. Good luck.
Sincerely,
L.

How about telling her how lucky she is to live somewhere that has all these great animals she gets to see? The inner-city kids never get to see wild animals, and she gets to see them up close. Maybe suggest she share it with her classmates. Play it up as how special she is because she saw this wonderful wild animal. Good lluck.

Remind her that all wild animals were put here by God and he will protect her from them. Also remind her that htey are as afraid of her as she is of them. Hope this helps.
C.

My 4th daughter has what seem to be unreasonable fears. This is not something that I deal with easily. Although she had never fallen off of something she is afraid of falling. Patience finally solved that one. I would suggest getting library books about animals and start studying them. Then progress to educational videos to teach her more. Let her know that you and your husband are not afraid. As another mom suggested reinforce that God has created them and they are here for His purpose and He is in control of all things. Blessings.

oh i feel for you honey! my son has all kinds of phoebias. he's not 12. his was that i had to make sure to lock all doors and windows so that no one could come in and get him.. (never had anything happen to him as a child at all). if you find out how to fix this, please let me know. :)