Tackling Irrational Fears in Children and Teens
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Almost everyone is afraid of something and kids are no exception. Younger children may be afraid of the dark or worry about being separated from parents. Adolescents may worry about their grades, being accepted by peers or embarrassing themselves. Even adults can have deep-seated, yet irrational phobias of common things like heights, snakes, planes or enclosed spaces, just to name a few.
While some fear is normal and healthy for self-preservation, obsessive or irrational fears are not. So, how can parents tell the difference? And what can you do to help your children if you see them becoming overwhelmed?
Kavita Tahilani, PhD, and John D. Herrington, PhD, two psychologists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), share their insights about common childhood fears, how to recognize rational vs. irrational fears, strategies to fight these fears, and when to seek help if fear becomes persistent or interferes with typical childhood activities.
What children fear often depends on their age and level of development. Common fears by age include:
The origins of childhood fears vary, but the most stubborn and intractable fears often stem from uncomfortable or painful personal experiences, second-hand experiences your child witnessed, or an overactive imagination that focuses on “worst-case scenario” thinking.
Children have expansive imaginations and are very susceptible to suggestion. What they can see, hear, taste, touch and smell – and even what they can’t – can be sources of uncertainty and worry. Parents can help children by teaching them the difference between rational and irrational fears, and how to address each.
Every child’s fear is real to them – even if it seems silly or irrational to a parent. You can help your child using these four tools.
There are many tools to disrupt the cycle of fear, anxiety, worry and avoidance. CHOP clinicians recommend parents consider their child’s age and development before deciding which strategy to employ. Don’t get discouraged if one way doesn’t work for your child – that’s why there are so many options; different tactics work for different kids and at different points in their lives.
If your child’s anxiety or fear is interfering with day-to-day activities, it may be time to seek professional help. Talk to your child’s pediatrician and ask for a referral to a therapist, psychologist, social worker, counselor or psychiatrist who has experience working with children and teens with anxiety issues.
It’s important to seek out a professional who uses a cognitive behavioral approach to treatment, which has been proven to be highly effective for youth dealing with anxiety. Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may last a few months, a year or more. Therapy can help many children and teens address – and conquer – their fears.
Kavita Tahilani, PhD, and John D. Herrington, PhD, are psychologists in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Contributed by: Kavita Tahilani, PhD, John D. Herrington, PhD
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