How to Handle Your Children’s Fears and Phobias

Many children develop fears, which can then turn into phobias. These may involve insects, dogs, thunder and lightning, flying on a plane and darkness, for example. As a parent, what can you do to help your children

Experts say that fears can develop around the ages of 6 to 12 and be a normal part of growing up. Parents are encouraged to address these fears in the following ways:

Talk with your children about their fears. Let them know that you are there for them.
Do not belittle, criticize or ridicule your children for having a fear.
Do not force your children “suck it up” and be brave. They must have the opportunity to discuss what they are feeling and have your support and encouragement to overcome their fears.
Protect them when possible. For example, if your children are afraid of large dogs, make sure that you know whether there are any in your neighborhood. If there are, do not take your children to that area. Perhaps you can speak with your neighbor about your children’s fear and when the time is right, introduce the dog to your children.

A verse that I often used with my children is the one on today’s blog – 2 Timothy 1:7 - and you can use it too. Go over what the words mean so they can easily understand the verse. Help them memorize it. Say it with them several times during the day so it gets into their spirits.

If you try many different methods but your children are still suffering from various fears, consider getting professional counseling. Your children need to be able to deal with their fears.

For more information, please click here: Understanding Childhood Fears and Anxieties

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

— Matthew 6:34

Do Not Be Worried about Your Children’s Futures

As parents, we are often consumed by preparing our children for the future. Whether it be enrolling them in as many extracurricular activities as possible to round out their academic resume or teaching them to be self-sufficient for adulthood, we want them to be completely prepared for everything that the future has to bring. All this focus on the future, though, can cause high levels of stress for both you and your children and make it very difficult to just bask in the here and now.

God does not want us to be anxious about anything. I like what the words on the image for this week’s blog say: “Pray more, worry less”. No one truly knows what the future will bring, but, as a Christian, you should feel comfort in knowing that God has already established a plan for the lives of each of your children.

Try doing the following:

Understand that not every trait your child has now, will carry over into her future. For example, if you notice that your child is forgetful or seems unmotivated at times, it is unlikely that her attitude will persist throughout her life because behaviors change. Of course, you should talk to her about her conduct to ensure that she is fine and motivate her to do better, but do this to help your child in the present, not necessarily for the future. She does not need to hear your theories about the detrimental affects her present behavior may have on her future. She needs her parents’ assistance in dealing with whatever is going on at the moment.
Spend time with your children (uninterrupted by the distractions of technology). This could be a planned outing or an impromptu hangout session. Making time for your children shows them how much you love and value them.
Stop yourself from worrying. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus taught His disciples about concentrating on what is happening today, and not worrying about what may happen tomorrow.
Pray. Daily, ask God for guidance and comfort.