Fears Children Face
Fears are normal parts of a child’s development. These arise out of a child’s perception of being unable to cope with a situation and therefore feeling threatened. The following fears are some of the most common developmental fears children face.
The 1st year: Fear of strangers and separation from parents are primary fears. Other fears involve sudden loud noises, falling, animals, sleep, and the doctor.
The 1-year old: Many of the fears of the first year continue. Others that develop are fears of the dark, thunder and lightning, toilet training, and the bath.
The 3-year old: Fear of new situations, the dark, dogs, scary noises, and separation from parents may continue. New fears revolve around the child’s developing imagination. Fear of monsters is common.
The 4-year old: New fears involve bad thoughts and loss of control, such as bed wetting. Primary is the fear of losing a parent.
The 5-year old: Many of the earlier fears persist, but they are based more in reality than previously.
The 6-year old: Fears are more intense and specialized (big dogs). Fears of monsters, ghosts, wild animals, sleeping or staying alone, water, and separation from parent are common. The 6 year-old is also afraid of bodily injury and will often exaggerate minor injuries.
The 7-year old: Normal fears include supernatural beings, the dark, things seen on TV or in a movie, shadows, heights, spies, burglars, adoption, being late in school, new situations, and social rejection.
The 8-year old: Many of the fears of the year before continue, but the 9-year-old is more likely to worry about the situation, often making himself face his fear as a means of resolving it.
The 9-to12-year-old: Most fears revolve around realistic situations such as tests in school, crime in the neighborhood, being left alone, natural hazards, bodily injury to self or loved ones, physical appearance, and social popularity.
The teen years: Typical fears include snakes, heights, the dark, deep water, getting lost, and being alone. Primary fears concern social performances and sexuality.
The most important thing is to teach your child to master the fear. Talk to your child about it and discuss what he can do when he or she is frightened. At the same time, look not just at the fear but also the stress within the family.
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User Comments
simplyoj
On August 8, 2009 at 6:10 am
Nice one. This is more useful specially for parents understanding their children.
Stephen J. Ardent
On August 10, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Excellent list.
Kevin Millard
On August 16, 2009 at 8:16 am
Great article. Sometimes I wish my boys were afraid hurting themselves. I’d save a lot on band-aids!
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