If parents are fearful of what might happen to their kids every day, children might also feel fear. When children say they have fears, parents might also have difficulty addressing this.
According to experts, parents can help in knowing how to conquer the fears of children.
In a study by researchers at Washington University, they found out that children know when their parents try to hide their stress, and they react to this kind of situation. When parents hide their stress from their children, they feel that they are less warmer and less engaged.
As parents try to hide fears or feelings from children, the kids also fail to acknowledge their feelings or even their fears.
Experts, in an article in Psychology Today, shared some of the ways parents can help in knowing how to conquer the fears of children:
Sharing the fear
As parents or caregivers, it is their responsibility to teach the kids that whatever feeling or fear it is that they have this feeling is shared. That means that they are not alone in whatever it is that they are going through. Children need to be reminded that they have their parents.
Establish a sense of ownership
Even if parents have fears of their own which might be the same with their kids each person's fears or feelings should be owned. This way can be done by saying, "What you are feeling are YOUR feelings. I'm feeling what YOU are feeling, but I'm also feeling what I am feeling."
One possible reason for kids to not disclose to their parents is the thought that they might be a burden. So letting them know that it is not the case could be a huge help.
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Stay calm
When a child discloses his or her fears, the parents must activate their parasympathetic nervous system. This part of the body helps in calming a child.
The activation of PNS may be done through the touch and body language of a parent. The child must feel that he or she is physically and emotionally safe.
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Independent calming
Later on, children can develop their independent calming system. This way can be developed during early childhood.
Here are some of the things that parents should know about independent calming:
- It is part of a child's mind.
- It is based on the child-parent relationship.
- It must be based on a secure relationship.
Knowing how to conquer the fears of children takes time. It goes through a process and will not be done in just a snap.
Parents should also remember that it is not only the behavior of the children that we are addressing but rather the way parents also address their fears and stress.
