Afraid of ALL insects

Angela - posted on 06/11/2012

Do you mean he is afraid of all creepy-crawlies? A spider isn't an insect, it's an arachnid - it has 8 legs, insects have 6.

Why not try him with a children's story book about insects/creepy-crawlies?

Good luck.

Paula - posted on 06/11/2012

Julia - My son has also had a similar fear- but of moths! Anytime he saw one flying in the house he would run screaming. And he is the same age as your son. We tried explaining about moths (emphasizing the fact they they don't bite!), taking him to our local college where he could see examples of moths up close and learn about them, but nothing seemed to help. Finally, we got out the small vacuum cleaning and sucked them up. It took several times of doing this before he stopped reacting so much.

Spiders are much scarier to kids. What if you or your husband did a preemptive vacuuming of his room? And let him watch. Knowing that you or Dad has taken care of the spiders may ease his fears. I actually remember sleeping int he top bunk and being scared of spiders of the ceiling. I would cover myself completely with the sheet to protect myself at night, but I was still scared. Even though we explain God and what he has done to our children, they are still children and do not have the understanding that we do, so we have to take more action to help them feel safe. If nothing else works, let him sleep in the lower bunk for 6 months or so. Time is usually the best healer.

Anne - posted on 08/15/2009

Hi Julia, I agree with Heather. However I also wonder if this is a new problem or something that has been ongoing? The reason I ask I is because if it is a new problem did some thing or some one tease or scare him? If you could get him to talk to you about his fears it might help. Is there increased stress in your family? These are not really questions I need the answers to only questions for you to maybe find the answers you need to help your son. In the mean time keep Praying for him and I also will keep your family in my Prayers.

Tammy - posted on 08/15/2009

Usurally this fear is a learned fear and accentuated as it is passed down. So if he's seen a family member or friend that has a fear of spiders or other bugs he has picked up that fear. You need to look up scriptures on fear and start praying over him and having him learn some will help him also. Greater is He that is in me, is a great one to start with. And I agree with Heather take him to some insect learning shops. But one thing that gives this fear basis is you picking up the fear of him having this fear. Get mad at the devil. Don't give him one inch. Blast him with the word. He'll tuck his tail and run. Tammy

Heather - posted on 08/15/2009

Do you have a butterfly pavilion near you? I think that would be a good place to start. Help him face his fears, but go right along with him, so that you are there to show him that it's okay. Maybe just take him outside at night to catch fire flies.



There is also a really neat movie series by Max Lucado's called Hermie and friends. It has talking bugs that teach Biblical lessons. They are great for learning, and it might help him with learning that bugs aren't bad. I dunno, just a thought. You can find them online or in any Christian book store in the kids section.