Fears in children are usually normal and it is part of the child’s development to overcome these fears. We explain how parents can help.
Are fears in children really normal?
As a rule, all children go through phases in which they are afraid of certain things. For the most part, fears in children are quite normal and usually go away over time. The type of anxiety depends on the stage of development and the age of the child. One speaks of so-called standard-compliant fears.
When fears are too strong in children
However, some children also experience an excessive level of anxiety to an anxiety disorder. According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute , around 10 percent of all children and adolescents in Germany suffer from an anxiety disorder. This is one of the most common mental illnesses in this age range. The following signs indicate that the child is not just going through a phase but is suffering from persistent anxiety:
- The fear is particularly pronounced.
- It lasts for months.
- It affects the development of the child.
Which anxiety disorder is most common?
The most common types of anxiety in children are:
- separation anxiety
- phobias
- Generalized anxiety disorder (affected children are constantly worried and tense)
In these cases, the children no longer come out of their own fear and not with the help of their parents. It is advisable to consult a child psychologist if you feel you are not getting on your own.
Standardized fears at a glance
But developmental anxiety can also cause problems for parents. The following fears in children and adolescents are typical:
- Babies are often afraid of loud noises, strangers and separation from parents or other caregivers.
- Toddlers are afraid of animals like dogs, being alone, imaginary figures and the darkness.
- Schoolchildren are afraid of school, injuries, illness and thunderstorms. Even social problems, which they do not feel up to, trigger fears.
- Teenagers have fears largely similar to those of schoolchildren, plus fear of sexuality changes.
Promoting health: What can parents do if the child is afraid?
When anxiety goes back to the child’s development, parents usually help to comfort and comfort their offspring. Irrational fears like the classic monster under the bed are best counteracted by calming the child and then showing him that there is no monster. Sometimes a beloved stuffed animal helps to put you in bed as a “watchman”.
In general, we should always search together for the actual cause of the fears and identify situations that increase anxiety. So the child is most likely to learn to understand his fear and overcome it. However, if it is not possible for parents to disperse or normalize a child’s anxiety over a longer period of time, a child psychologist should be called in.