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My daughter seems to be scared of lots of things

Kerryn - posted on 07/18/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )

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she gets something in her head and she stresses about it to the point of not being able to sleep. She is afraid of going to the doctor, podiatrist etc. She is also afraid of ghosts, robbers etc. She quite often wakes in the night and won't go back to sleep, she will just cry uncontrollably and I don't know how I should handle this. She is 8 years old. Anyone have any suggestions?

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Kim - posted on 07/18/2009

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My youngest (3) is the same way. What has really seemed to work for us, is for me to show her that I am not scared of all. I just say, "Well it don't scare me at all, because......" Tell her why she shouldn't be scared; the Doctor is my friend, he is nice, there are no ghosts, but if there was I bet they'd be funny looking.

Malissa - posted on 07/18/2009

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I agree, talk to her about what she is afraid of and why. You might want to ask her doctor about it also. They might have some ideas to help. My son went through a phase of being afraid of the freeway, a certain light and natural disasters, we talked about what you would do in case of a disaster and I had to drive in the slow lane for a while, but it slowly faded away.

Michelle - posted on 07/18/2009

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be sure she isn't harboring her fear because she wants attention. that might not be why - but some get over it if you act sort of "whatever" about it (our neighbors child used to scream when the train went by - but they stopped responding to her and she stopped being scared of it). and then give her one on one fun attention. but for real fears (and she def sounds like she has some) - she is old enough to talk to during a time that she isn't afraid - have a talk with her - tell her how you used to cope with fears when you were her age. our son gets nervous about stuff (he is 10) and we tell him - you know, some things are scary but you can't live you life being scared of everything - we will always so everything we can to be sure you are safe" and that answer seemed to help. your daughter is old enough to have a responsive talk with you about why she is afraid of everything. i'd try that. but if nothing works - i'd consult the pediatrician for some advice and maybe counseling - if it really is THAT bad. better to help her now than later when it is worse.

Ema - posted on 07/18/2009

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I think hugging your kid is a great way for her to handle all these scary things.Hug her whenever she is afraid of anything and then explain things to her with simple words and logic. I find kids understand better and agree with you if you give examples with simple logic. they turn on easily by 'cause and effect' and if you can show them that the effect is not something to afraid of, they'll understand.Speaking about ghosts and robbers, avoid bringing movie that might insert things in her brain and avoid TV shows

before bed time. Hope this help.

Tina - posted on 07/18/2009

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My two year old recently told me that she's scared when we go to my sister in laws house because she scared of her uncle Jay. Ha. Well, I think it's because he's always telling her he's gonna get her. Ha....I'd be scared too.

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