Here are six ways to help when your child seems to be afraid of everything:
Talk to them
Firstly, you need to talk to them about what it is that they are frightened of. It could be anything from stepping in muck, sleeping in the dark, being alone or being in groups of people. Ask what it is about these situations that they don’t like - this will help you put their fear into perspective. Talking out loud will also help your youngster.
Know that it is normal
Their fear may also be affected by their age. by the time they reach six years old, they can fear ghosts and things that they can’t see; the older they get, the more they fear things that might actually happen like hurting themselves or a family member dying.
Watch your own fear
It is so important you don’t feed their fear, so watch how you approach things yourself. Don’t let them see that you are afraid of something as it can make their own fear bigger than what it is.
How to tell if your youngster is anxious
Just like with adults, children who suffer from anxiety can experience rapid heartbeat, headache, inability to sleep and being extremely clingy. If you notice your youngster is experiencing these, talk to them and ask them what it is that is making them worried. Sometimes just saying it aloud can make your son or daughter feel better.
Show them strategies that will help them cope
Show your child how to take deep breaths which will make them feel less tense - in through their nose and out through their mouth. This will help them feel a little calmer and more able to tackle the fear. Another effective way to help them deal with it is by encouraging them to use their imagination to conjure up a knight in shining armour or something else that will help them.
When to go to the doctor
If your little one’s fears and anxieties are getting in the way of their everyday activities, then you should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss how to help them.
