For Parents and Caregivers - Focusing on Your Child's Anxieties
is the child's fear and the behavior he is exhibiting typical for his age?
If the answer to this question is yes, it's a good bet that his fears will resolve before they become serious cause for concern. This is not to say that the anxiety should be discounted or ignored; rather, it should be considered as a factor in the child's normal development. Richard Kingsley, MD, a pediatric psychiatrist, advises, "Many children experience age-appropriate fears, such as being afraid of the dark. Most kids, with some reassurance, and perhaps a night-light, will overcome or outgrow it. However, if they continue to have trouble, or there is anxiety about other things, the intervention may have to be more intensive."
What are the symptoms of the fear? How do they affect my child's personal, social, and academic functioning? If symptoms can be identified and considered in light of the child's everyday activities, adjustments can be made to alleviate some of the stress factors. "Often, however, parents don't pay attention to the child's symptoms," says Dr. Kingsley. "If parents don't recognize the problem, they won't think to do some very simple things, such as helping the child who is afraid of the dark feel more comfortable about falling asleep in a darkened room."
Does the fear seem unreasonable in relation to the reality of the situation? Could it be a sign of a more serious problem? If the child's fear seems out of proportion to the cause of the stress, this may signal the need to seek outside help, such as a counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. Dr. Kingsley suggests that parents look for patterns. If an isolated incident is resolved, parents shouldn't make it more significant than it is. "But if a pattern that is persistent or pervasive emerges, then you really do need to intervene," he advises. "If you don't, the phobia will impact a child over time. Your child's doctor can be consulted, as can a mental health professional who has expertise in working with children and adolescents."
Updated and reviewed by: Kim Rutherford, MD
Date reviewed: September 2001
Originally reviewed by: Steve Dowshen, MD, and Richard Kingsley, MD
