Childhood phobias are a normal and common phenomenon in children’s development. All children experience some form of fear, from the dark and loud noises, to separation from parents or loneliness. These reactions are natural and are part of a protection mechanism of the body in the face of a potential threat.
When Does Fear Become a Phobia?
The problem begins when the fear becomes excessive, repeated and interferes with the child’s daily life. Then we are talking about phobia, an irrational and intense fear of a stimulus (e.g. animal, place, situation), which is accompanied by symptoms of anxiety such as:
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Tachycardia
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Sweating
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Discomfort
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Withdrawal or avoidance of activities
Phobias can affect self-esteem, social skills and general mental health of the child. Often, these fears come from the family environment and are unintentionally transmitted by parents.
Typical Childhood Phobias
Fears are very common and common in children. All children have some phobic experience at some point in their development. Fear is a normal protective reaction in the face of a threatening stimulus.
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Darkness
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Noises (thunderbolts/lightning)
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Witches
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Loneliness
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Separation from parents
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Fear of getting lost
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Animals (e.g. dogs, cats)
Parents: How Can You Help?
Children are keenly aware of their parents’ emotions. It is important to:
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Don’t use fear as a means of discipline (“if you’re not good, the police will come”).
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Give space to the child to express their fear without shame.
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Show understanding and acceptance.
Help is possible and immediate. Your child does not need to live with restrictions, anxiety or isolation due to fears.
Re-Paint Your Life: Why Every Child Deserves to Live Freely
If you feel that your child is strongly affected by one or more fears, contact us. The Re-Paint Your Life method is a targeted approach that helps the child regain balance and peace of mind. It helps the child to repaint his life with colors of strength, security and joy.
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In just 3 meetings within a period of 3 weeks, we can reach root of fear and to deconstruct it.
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The method enhances the self-regulation of the nervous system and helps the child feel security, calm and inner strength.