Taming Fear In Your Kid

Most preschoolers go through a fearful phase. Fear seems to come from nowhere to the cliff. And some children have temperaments that make them more prone to fears than others. The general rule is to treat the fear respectfully. After all, it's very real to your child. Then look for child-centered ways (as opposed to adult-level logic) to provide reassurance.

A lively imagination often gives temporary birth to monsters, dragons, ghosts, and other mysterious
creatures of the dark. Fear of the dark is common as a child's mind becomes capable of inventing its
own stories. (You can actually think of night fears — the result of an overactive imagination — as a
sophisticated cognitive development.)

To help calm your child:

Take the fear seriously. Never belittle it or make fun of your child's fantasy.

Skip the logic. A patient explanation that there's no way a monster could live in the closet but only at
night won't wash.

Look at the room from your child's viewpoint. Maybe there's a weird shadow that really does look like a
spiderweb.

Try some light. The reassuring glow of a nightlight or a light in the hallway has vanquished many a scary
creature.

Give a little extra TLC. Often fears reflect some other anxiety in your child's life; she might just want
some hugs and snuggles. A happy and secure bedtime routine before your child is tucked in is
important, too.