Moe is happy. There's just one challenge, Moe is afraid...of many things.

Helping Children Overcome Fears

“Mom, can you leave the hall light on?”

Most children have some fears. That is normal. Sometimes it is a good thing. For example, children need to know they shouldn’t run into a street. They need to know not to play with knives.

As children grow up, they learn more about the world around them. As they learn, they get rid of some fears. But they
also get new fears. Your children probably will not be scared of the samethings in a few years. At any age, you can help your children cope with their fears.

Ways to Help Your Children

1. Accept your children’s fears. All children are scared sometimes. They will outgrow some of their fears. But right now their fears are quite real to them. Don’t make fun of them. You can help them learn not to be so scared. These are skills they will use for the rest of their life.

2. Spend time with your children when they are scared. Many children are scared of the dark. Read a story or sing a song with them before tucking them in bed. This will help your children feel safe. Maybe your children are scared of loud noises. Hold them close when you watch fireworks. Play with them in a different room when someone is vacuuming. Comfort them during a thunderstorm.

3. Keep a regular routine. Children feel safe when they know what to expect. It helps some children to know that it is Mom who takes them to childcare in the morning. Other children know that there will be a story every night before bed. Children feel better when they know what will happen.
Source: Purdue University