A spider on the ceiling. The crack of thunder. A barking dog behind a gate. How would your child respond to any one of these?
Taking pause, feeling a little cautious or voicing their fears would be a normal reaction to these potential triggers.
But if the sight, sound or idea results in an inability to function, your child could have a phobia.
What are childhood phobias?
Fear, concern or worry can be a rational response to certain stimuli. For example, even as adults if we spot a snake on the path in front of us we’re likely to feel scared or even panicked. But when that fear is exacerbated beyond the normal range, and remains persistent over time, this could be a phobia.
It’s important to keep in mind that what our children see as scary, we, as adults, might think is silly or even insignificant. This is normal. Children are often scared of things that are new, different, strange, loud or big, for example. But just because we don’t think it’s scary, doesn’t mean that it isn’t for our child.
Children also progress through different fears at different stages of their lives. Separation anxiety is common for toddlers. As our kids age, they may begin to worry about other things, like natural disasters, world events, losing loved ones and social challenges.
Fear, worry and anxiety are all a normal part of being human. While anxiety disorders tend to be broad in nature, phobias often focus on a specific object, place, activity or situation.
They also have a much greater impact, typically affecting our children’s ability to enjoy everyday life.
Common childhood phobias
There’s no limit to what causes phobias. There’s an incredibly wide scope of objects, activities and situations that can act as triggers. These include long words, belly buttons, balloons and even fear itself.
Of course, there are some common childhood phobias. These include:
- Darkness
- Blood
- Vaccinations/needles
- Medical/dental procedures
- Thunderstorms
- A particular animal species, e.g. dogs, spiders
- Heights
- Small spaces
- Water
Signs of childhood phobias
Recognising a phobia can be a bit tricky as its normal for kids to move in and out of fears as they grow. But there are signs that can help us determine if a normal fear is more of a phobia that we should be concerned about. It’s also important to keep in mind that many of these are appropriate for different ages, so reach out to us if you have any concerns.
- Withdrawal from everyday activities or routine to avoid the phobia trigger, e.g. school avoidance, unable to sleep alone (in older children)
- Intense fear response that is out of proportion to the trigger
- Emotional distress every time your child faces or even hears the name of their trigger
- Physical symptoms such as shaking, increased heart rate, breathlessness, light-headedness, nausea, sweating
How can you help your child navigate childhood phobias?
Despite how you may be feeling right now, it is entirely possible to manage childhood phobias. It doesn’t have to be a life sentence for your child. With the proper support, you child should be able to get back to feeling like themselves.
Comfort your child
Cuddles may not cure childhood phobias, but they can sure help your child to feel better. Be their safe space and allow them to voice their fears. Acknowledge how they are feeling but avoid reinforcing the validity of their phobia.
You could share some deep breathing activities to regulate their nervous system. They may find that having a fidget toy nearby helps calm their nerves. Or they may prefer to get involved in play therapy. Positive self-talk such as ‘I am safe’ can also be helpful when navigating fear.
Investigate the fear together
If age appropriate, you could encourage your child to take a more objective look at the cause of their fear. Investigate statistics to demonstrate the low probability of it causing any harm.
Talk to them about what their fear is costing them, in terms of missing out on fun with friends, at school, etc. Good communication is key here.
An older child with a less-invasive phobia might benefit from gaining a better understanding into how out of proportion their fear is. Of course, some children with childhood phobias will be unable to accept that their fear is unwarranted, and that’s OK. It just means it’s a good time to get in touch with an expert.
Gradual exposure
If you have an older child who is open to this approach, you could attempt exposure therapy.
This begins with very minimal exposure to something related to their trigger. For example, looking at images of the ocean if they’re afraid of water. This slowly progresses at a pace they are comfortable with. For example, to dipping their toes into water. This helps them to learn to navigate their emotions in a manageable and predictable way.
The hope is that with progressive, repeated exposure over time, your child can reduce their fear around the trigger.
Of course, this should not be attempted if it’s causing your child more distress. Instead, speak to your therapist who can help.
Seek clinical support for childhood phobias
If you’re a parent or carer, don’t feel like you should know all the answers to childhood phobias. Your most important role is to love your child and be there for them.
A qualified professional will have the scientific knowledge and clinical experience to help your child manage their childhood phobias. If your child has been suffering from their phobia for a long time or it’s affecting their life, it’s wise to seek support.
An expert may suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help your child gain more control over their thinking patterns. This will help them to challenge unhelpful thoughts. A professional might also suggest exposure therapy.
Young Minds Health and Development Network is one of the most diverse allied health organisations in Brisbane. Our highly experienced psychologists offer evidence-based treatment for a range of challenges, including childhood phobias.
Make an appointment enquiry today.