The line between imagination and reality is confusing for growing children. It is the responsibility of the parents to let them know the difference. Do not use fear as a mechanism to frighten children as a punishment. If too much fear is planted in the child’s mind, it can have negative consequences. They become too frighten that deceit and other behavioral problems can arise out of this fear. This can later cause anxiety if the child is not able to differentiate right from wrong. Anxiety also can stem from the need for attention – the need to have their ideas heard
Separation Anxiety
Also known as fear for separation, this is common among toddlers. Doing things for the very first time is scary for children. Giving a firm hug when dropping a child off for their first day of kindergarten is still not enough for a child. Assurance that you will return for them must be instilled in their minds. The first few weeks will be tough – persevere. Bedtime is another situation where a child fears of being separated from the parent a long period of time. A whole night is eternity for a child. If a child is used to sleeping in with a certain parent, gradually move him or her to her own room. Do not force the change upon them, as they will feel rejected.
Fear, Worry And Panic Attacks
All children worry. They worry about school and embarking on something new. Support them in their choices. Give them the opportunity to shine in the things they like doing best. Forcing children to do something that does not spark their interest can cause them to retreat and shun away from it.
Specific Phobias
Children tend to have fear for everything and anything. Teaching them to differentiate these fears can minimize the level of fear. They will learn to accept that some animals are domesticated and others live in the wild. When night falls it does not mean that daytime will not come again. All these analogies provide the explanation for a child to overcome their phobia. Ability to convince them that they are not alone can do wonders for a child’s courage to face life.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Children who suffer from OCD are usually not aware that their actions are disturbing and irrational. OCD is when a child has the tendency to do things excessively. It gets disturbing when a child pushes himself or herself to be perfect only to fail and be disappointed. They have certain rites that they must perform daily to complete their routine. Without it, they become unhappy and angry with themselves. Like adults, they have no control over these ritualistic actions.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a disorder that is caused by a traumatic experience – a car accident, witnessing a murder, abuse of violence. Medical examination usually shows no signs of abnormality in a child’s speech. Children with autism suffer from anxiety disorder for their ability to communicate effectively. So, they choose to stay mute and no longer put effort into improving their situation. It gets worse if the parents are in denial.