> Practical Family Living

We work a lot with children who have fears.  There are many ways to help them through to calm, but the first step is to MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE CHILD’S FEAR BEFORE TRYING TO ALLAY IT.  Listen carefully to your child as they explain what’s bothering them.  Don’t jump to conclusions.  We know you have a thousand other things to do in your busy parenting life, but do not assume that saying: “Don’t worry” will help. For kids too young to put words on their fear, it may be helpful for them to draw a picture.  One young boy was afraid to spend the night in his grandparent’s home.  When he “drew his worry” he drew a scary looking bear.  Mom knew exactly the source of the problem.  The room where Grandpa kept his antique toy bear collection was where the child slept.  Grandma and Grandpa made sure the bears were locked away and explained they “couldn’t get back.”