When do fears develop in children

Visiting relatives can be asked to approach the infant more slowly, taking time to talk to the infant from a distance, rather than quickly approaching and picking up the baby. So when your infant receives immunizations, calmly speak soothing words of reassurance and gently distract your infant to something more pleasant. A parent is often surprised the first time the toddler cries and shrinks away from the vacuum cleaner when he had never demonstrated that fear in the past.

It does make a loud noise. Parenting Resource. Toddler fears can be worrisome to parents. Sometimes toddler fears can be inconvenient—like when my toddler was afraid of automatic flushing toilets in public restrooms. And sometimes they can be exhausting, like the toddler who is afraid of shadows at bedtime.

To learn what to expect at each age, read on. Young babies notice a difference between negative emotional expressions like fear, sadness, and anger.

Babies are just starting to understand the meaning associated with a fearful face between 5—7 months of age. Generally, 7-month-old babies pay more attention to faces with fearful expressions compared to happy or neutral expressions. Other researchers take this as evidence that babies are beginning to understand the meaning of these expressions.

Between 8 and 12 months of age—around the same time they understand the meaning of a fearful face—babies begin to produce fearful expressions and other fear-based behaviors, like clinging to a parent, making distressed sounds, or turning away. One-year-olds can understand the meaning of a fearful face as a sign of danger. They are able to use this information to guide their behavior in new situations.

For example, if mothers tense their grip on babies after a new toy is offered to them, month-olds spend less time playing with the toy.

Help them to get used to it slowly. Accept that you may have to help your child avoid the feared object for a while. Common fears for children of primary school age As a child learns more about the world, the list of things they fear tends to grow. Suggestions for helping your child include: Let your child know that you take their fears seriously. Give your child truthful information on topics such as death or war, and let them know you are willing to answer any questions.

Encourage your child to confront the object of their fear, such as dogs, one step at a time at their own pace. For example, perhaps start with pictures, then try a very small, gentle dog that is tied up, so the child decides how close to get. Allow your child some control. For example, if they are afraid of intruders, make shutting and locking their bedroom window one of their night-time responsibilities. Daily routines and rituals give a child a sense of stability and security, and may ease general anxiety.

Fear of the dark Many children are afraid of the dark. Suggestions include: Ask them to tell you about their fears and what exactly makes them afraid. Reassure them that they are safe; explain there are no such things as monsters. If your child is afraid of the dark because of the possibility of intruders, it may help to show them the security measures around the house, such as locks.

However, never lock a deadlock while people are inside the house, as it may block escape in a fire or other emergency. Ask your child for suggestions on what would make them feel more secure. Offer suggestions yourself. Perhaps they would feel better if they took a special toy or comforter to bed. Find out if their fear of the dark comes from other worries. For example, some children may be afraid of their parents separating or dying, and this anxiety gets worse when they are alone in the dark.

Talk to your child honestly about such issues. Predictable bedtime routines help to reduce anxiety. For example put a lamp by their bedside so they can switch on the light themselves. Use a low-wattage bulb. Make sure their television viewing habits and reading materials are appropriate to their age. News footage, movies or scary books can easily frighten a child. Look around their room at night and try to see things from their perspective.

Is there a picture or toy that may cast a shadow or look creepy in the half-light? Regular exercise helps to reduce stress levels. Make sure your child has plenty of physical activity during the day.

There are many books on managing childhood fears, both for the parents and the child. Reinforce positive behaviour. Allow your child to make small steps towards overcoming their fear and compliment them on each achievement.