Common Childhood Fears & How To Tackle Them

  • Sep 18, 2020
  • Pic courtesy: Arwan Sutanto via Unsplash

    Has your toddler disliked sleeping alone and wanted to climb into bed with you lately? Are they waking up at night screaming? Do they cry when they see a costumed mascot at the mall? Is your baby getting scared for no reason and begin crying suddenly?  All these are classic examples of things that can turn your little one into a scared child, and there’s a reason why.

    Around 3-4 years of age, your child’s mile-a-minute mind is on overdrive. They connect images of something they have seen on television or in books to what is happening around them and make stories up. But often, they find it difficult to separate truth from reality, which results in them thinking up fantastical scenarios that seem scary. 

    While fear is a natural part of childhood development, it can cause your child much distress. The best way to deal with this is to understand what exactly they are afraid of and why. We understand how challenging it can be for parents to handle childhood fears, especially when they don’t know how to remove fear from kids. To help you and your child get through this trying phase, we have listed a few common childhood fears, why they occur, and simple tips on how to remove fear from a child's mind.

    Types of Fear In Children

    Childhood fears can originate from both real and imagined sources. They may fear things that may seem harmful to you. Knowing how to remove fear from kids is essential for easing their worries.  Let us look at some common childhood fears and ways you can help your child.

    1. Fear of loud noises

    A sudden sound, especially one that comes without warning, is enough to startle the bravest adult. So a baby scared of loud noises is no wonder. Even a three-year-old would get scared by noises like the pressure cooker, thunder, and firecrackers because there is no explanation attached to them. Your child may realize that they have not caused this sound. But a scared child may be unable to respond to it rationally. 

    How to remove fear from child's mind :

    Pic courtesy: Gift Habeshaw via Unsplash

    How to overcome the fear of firecrackers? If your baby is scared of loud noises, the easiest way to help them overcome this fear is to announce its arrival. Providing clear expectations is the answer to how to remove fear from kids. Let your child know when the firecrackers are about to go off, or the pressure cooker is about to whistle. Encourage them to watch safely to overcome the fear of cracker sounds. You could even make a game of counting the seconds until you hear the next thunderclap. It’s hard to feel afraid if they are having fun!  Entertaining them with Montessori-inspired toys can help redirect their attention to focused play, giving them a sense of control in otherwise stressful moments.

    2. Fear of the dark

    Sometimes, you may feel like your baby gets scared for no reason when in a dark room. Fear of the dark may be one of the most common childhood fears, but it could cause a child a lot of anxiety. If your child is afraid of dark rooms and spaces, hear them out and find out what exactly they are scared of. There could be a lamp or a toy casting a large shadow on their wall that is causing their mind to conjure up something scary. Or maybe the soft rustle of leaves against their bedroom window sounds like the footsteps of approaching monsters. 

    How to remove fear from child's mind :

    Pic courtesy: Annie Spratt via Unsplash

    A good way to stop them from being afraid of the dark is to find the source and deal with it. What about the darkness is affecting them? See if you can remove the cause. Also, helping them embrace their fear of darkness with games can be a step towards how to remove fear from kids. Read a bedtime story with a flashlight in a dark room. Buy a fun night light or a glow-in-the-dark snuggle toy. These will make the dark seem 'normal'.

    3. Fear of mascots and costumes

    By this age, your preschooler has grown to understand what their parents, extended family, and friends look like. We all have common facial characteristics and similar bodies. So, meeting a mascot at the mall who is dressed as a duck and speaking in a human language may cause extreme fear and anxiety in children. Children are used to seeing ducks in books or cartoons. But seeing a duck that is taller than the average human is something that can cause nightmares. 

    How to remove fear from child's mind :

    Pic courtesy: _drz_ via Unsplash

    Avoid any close encounters with mascots to reduce anxiety in kids. Do not insist your scared child take pictures together or make them shake hands with mascots. Walk away and calmly explain the costume to your child to overcome the fear of mascots. Playing dress-up at home with pretend play toys might be a good way to show slightly older children how costumes work. Over time, they will begin to understand that there is nothing to be afraid of and grow out of the fear of mascots. 

    4. Fear of water

    This is a common fear at this stage, especially if your child is about to start a swim lesson. Does your baby get scared for no reason when water trickles down their face during bath time?  Some children may even refuse to wash their hair because they are uncomfortable with the sensation. This fear might be because of something they have watched on television or pictures in a book that suggests drowning. The sensation and the sound of water over their head and inside their eyes could then make a scared child uncomfortable enough to swear off baths and pool time altogether! 

    How to remove fear from child's mind :

    Pic courtesy: Mahmud Ahsan via Unsplash

    Tackle this fear by helping them face one day at a time. Encourage them to take showers on their own as you supervise. They could try getting their hair wet by taking palmfuls of water. Don’t force them to swim. Instead, have them watch an older sibling or a family member swim and let them see how much fun playing in the water is. Invest in good bath time and pool toys for added fun! Let them get used to water at their own pace. Also with time, you'll find more methods on how to remove fear from kids around water.

    5. Social Fear in Children

    Anxiety in children with unfamiliar social settings can be a symptom of social fear. They might hesitate to do any group activities or even talk to others. While being a little timid or introverted is normal, if this is affecting their confidence and daily activities, you need to address them.

    How to handle this:

    Encourage gradual exposure to social situations. Start with known and smaller circles than starting with strangers. Praise their efforts when they engage with others. Using homeschool toys can help children build problem-solving skills and confidence while playing independently or in small groups. It gently prepares them for social settings.

    6. Stranger Anxiety Among Infants

    It might feel like your baby gets scared for no reason when they cry upon seeing a new face. This is very common in infants and starts around the age of 6 months. As they begin to distinguish familiar faces from others, this fear starts manifesting. The child may cry aloud or cling to you when a stranger approaches them.  

    How to remove fear from child's mind :

    Do not leave your baby with visitors if the baby shows signs of anxiety. Instead, explain it to visitors. Hold them close while they interact with strangers, allowing them to feel secure. Introduce your baby to new people slowly and help them adjust over time. Providing a comforting object like a soft baby teething toy can help ease anxiety in kids

    7. Separation Anxiety Among Toddlers

    Separation anxiety in children often is seen in 1 -2 years. A scared child might cry when you leave for work or drop them in daycare. This stems from the fear that you won’t come back. On the positive side, this anxiety shows their growing attachment to you, which is a positive sign of emotional bonding.

    How to remove fear from a child's mind :

    Talk to your child. Assure them that you will return. Create a routine to make departures predictable. Start with short separations with some familiar family members and then gradually increase the duration. Unique yet educational Kids' return gifts like colouring books can serve as comforting keepsakes and will remind them of your presence even when you're not around and they can draw their heart out.

    Kids Toys Online From Shumee That Can Help In Overcoming Fear Among Kids

    Toys can play a great part in easing childhood fears. Engaging and interactive toys can provide them with comfort and boost their confidence. Here are some toys from Shumee’s collection that can support you on the journey of how to remove fear from a child's mind, making the process more enjoyable.

    1. Striped Bunny Plush Teether and Rattle Ring Toy  

    This bunny plush teether and rattle ring toy provides sensory stimulation and helps soothe babies who are scared of loud noises by offering a comforting distraction. The soft and cuddly bunny design of this teether toy can provide comfort and security. 

    2. Wooden Musical Shape Sorter Toy Truck -Xylophone & Animals

    Help your child make positive associations with sound with this musical shape-sorter toy truck. The playful tunes of this xylophone truck can help toddlers overcome their fear of loud noises. 

    3. Wooden Wobbly Roly Poly Toy- Penguin

    This charming and adorable wooden wobbly rolly poly toy can keep your child engaged for hours. It helps reduce anxiety in kids by promoting curiosity and exploration, distracting them from their fears and building emotional resilience.

    4. Wooden Li'l Chef Cook Top Toy

    Pretend play toys are always a great way to help deal with social anxiety in children. This wooden little chef cooktop toy will encourage role-playing and group activities and in turn, build their confidence in engaging with others or new social settings.

    5. Wooden Butterfly Balance Board - Self-Balancing Activity Toy

    This wooden butterfly balance board is designed to improve motor skills and focus while keeping children entertained. It distracts a scared child from their fears and channels their energy in a positive way.

    They’re Little; Their Fears Are Big

    Watching a scared child react to something harmless may be frustrating for a parent but make sure you don’t belittle their fear. Take time to address it and slowly encourage them to face it. Remember that these fears are not only a passing phase but a marker of your child’s growth and fantastic imagination. Your patience and support can transform their fear into an opportunity for learning and emotional resilience.

    Let Shumee be a part of this journey. Our thoughtfully designed toys will not only comfort your child but will also encourage positive play, helping them face their fears bravely.

    Frequently Asked Questions On Childhood Fears 

    What are the most common fears of children?

    Common fears in children include fear of loud noises, darkness, strangers and fear of mascots. Fear of separation from parents is also a common childhood fear.

    What are the fears of early childhood?

    In early childhood, children often fear unfamiliar people, loud sounds and separation from parents. You may even notice your baby scared for no reason, which could simply be a phase in their development.

    How to remove fear from kids? 

    To remove fear from kids, empathise with their feelings. Gradually expose them to the feared object or situation. Provide reassurance, security and comfort. Engaging them with hands-on activities like art and craft kits can offer them a positive outlet for emotions. Talking through their fears can help reduce anxiety in kids.

    How to remove the fear of firecrackers from children?

    To remove the fear of firecrackers, explain to them beforehand. Allow them to watch safely from a distance and create a calm environment. If your child is sensitive, this can help them overcome the fear of cracker sound and reduce the intensity of the experience.

    2 comments

    One of the best articles published these days. Little people have big fears and sometimes parents get carried away too thinking why are they doing it. This clearly explains how children get scared of things and how as parents we tackle them and give them the support they need.

    Sailaja Kandukuri

    Beautifully explained. My 9 month old runs towards me when pressure cooker whistles. Showing her and counting helped.

    Amrita Tomar

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