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Does your child have a lot of fears? Is he afraid
of certain animals, maybe even loud noises,etc.?
Did you realize that when a child is afraid of something, such as an animal, it is just a way of protecting themselves? They will grow older and have more maturity to think better about these fears but in the meantime they need someone to explain and help them to not be afraid: I hope that my suggestions will be of help to you.
Now you won't get your child to overcome a fear discussing it only once: take it a little bit at a time, one step at a time. If your child is afraid of dogs, then perhaps a large one snapped at him or barked loudly. You'll need to take him near a puppy, let him pet it, and then visit a local pet store and let him pet a large dog that is very friendly. If you have a neighbor with a well behaved dog
suggest that you would like to bring your child over to get
him over his fear of dogs.
Most of all, please don't tell the child that the fear is not real, after all we as adults most likely have actual fears that we don't control very well. Encourage him to sit down and tell you all the resons he is afraid and what he is afraid of, then start from there trying to change his way of thinking and feeling.
If you feel the fear of something is not going to harm him then try not to be overprotective of him. Please don't tell him you agree with his fear if you can help him, and be sure to be very calm about this new situtation in your child's life and in your own.
Get some books from your local library that might
deal with the fear of your child: show him pictures, read to him and try to change his thinking. If he is afraid of perhaps a television show that dealt with someone breaking into a home then he might say to you that he is afraid someone will break into your home. At this time you will need to show him how you are protecting your home:
a fenced yard, phone numbers handy for the fire department and police department, and burglar alarms. Involve him in knowing that you are aware certain things can happen and that you are prepared and that most television shows do not show real life.
Most of all teach your child to trust his feelings, how to say no, don't talk to strangers, even those asking for directions, and I know you'll think of lots of safety reasons your child and you need to discuss. There will be lots of information in your local area available for
you with just the right phone call.
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