Phobias in children

Phobias in children

Being afraid in childhood is something common that we all go through. Even, sometimes we are instilled on purpose to protect ourselves, as when they tell us that we should not talk to strangers.

It is normal for the child to present different fears as he grows up. For example, babies tend to fear loud noises, but not darkness. However, after three years, the situation may be reversed: a loud noise does not matter, but sleeping with the light off turns into torture. As the child grows and discovers his surroundings, he begins to fear situations, people or objects that surround him. It is common for a child of four or five years to fear monsters, and one of eight may already be afraid of death.

The problem arises when fear ceases to be something transitory and becomes something irrational, uncontrollable and the mere idea of ​​approaching the object, person or situation that generates it causes extreme reactions, such as nausea, tremor, dizziness, etc. Fear, then, causes the child to avoid at all costs what causes it, such as going to a children's party because there will be clowns or going to play in the park because there are insects.

The most common phobias in the little ones are the specific ones, in which they themselves can define what scares them. Monsters, thunder or animals are some of the best known.

Also, there are more abstract phobias, such as agoraphobia: being in an open space where you cannot ask for help. They are the typical children who feel panic of losing sight of their mother.

Like adults, children can also experience social phobia and feel especially distressed by having to speak in public or interact with strangers.

Psychological treatment for childhood phobias may vary, but exposure therapy is the most used. Under the control of a specialist, the child is exposed to the situation that causes him anguish little by little, in order to get used to it, without giving greater emphasis to the setbacks and yes celebrating the progress.

Another way to alleviate the phobias is through emotional staging. Always with the guidance of a trained person, you can approach the child towards what frightens him with instructions given previously. For example, you may be told that you will help your favorite hero on a special mission that includes just what scares him.

A technique that is also quite effective is that of modeling: dealing with the child just what causes him fear and that he sees for himself that nothing happens. For example, if the phobia is towards dogs, pet one. It is even more effective if the person performing the action is someone of the same age.

It is important not to ridicule the child or punish him, especially in front of other classmates.

Fear is one of the most overwhelming sensations that a little one can experience and feel empathy for his fears, supporting him and helping him get ahead will allow him to open the door of his closet and discover that the phobia monster does not really live there anymore.