Posted on January 21, 2012 by admin | in Nanny
Most kids are scared of Santa Clause and afraid of the dark. But whether you know or not, there are several fears that we pass onto our children. Our kids look to us for guidance and a lot of their fears are based on one thing: the parent’s reaction.
- Bugs - Your fear for bugs, snakes and any other creeper crawlers are being watched. Your child will react how you will react. When you see a bug, remember screaming and squealing will only show your child that you are scared and they will follow suit. So next time you are confronted by one of these bad boys, man up and get rid of it.
- Strangers - Stranger danger! You tell your kids often about the dangers of strangers. Whether you are at the park or grocery store you tell them to be careful. This is a legitimate nightmare and fear for any parent, but scaring your kids so much that they are scared of the bus driver is extreme. When teaching them about strangers, be firm but don’t say anything to cause them too much worry. Teach them how to be aware of their surroundings. Remind often but not daily.
- Germs - Kids often ask question like why they have to wash their hands. Most parents reply back with ‘to wash away the germs’. Then that brings up the question of what germs are. Depending on how you answer this, this could cause your kid to be a germaphobe. Best way to go about it is to explain it not as gross or icky but as something that you need to do, like brushing your teeth.
- Failing - Kids have this fear at a young age; it can start with something as simple as playing soccer in the back yard or learning how to read. All a child wants to do is to please you and make you happy. If they mess up they tend to be hard on themselves and began to shy away from trying new things in fear they may fail you. Be aware of how you approach these situations.
- Getting Hurt - If your child falls and hurts his or her knee, how you react will determine whether or not they will be scared. If you rush over and show panic your child will do the same, meaning the next time they attempt the monkey bars will not go over so joyfully. If they fall and hurt themselves, approach them calmly and tell them that ‘everything is ok.’ Brush it off.
- Flying - The airport and the concept of flying can be a bit unnerving. Your stress on getting to the airport on time to board can be channeled as ‘mom and dad are upset’ and being a young child, your kid will only associate flying with negative feelings. Traveling is fun, so make going to the airport a fun adventure.
- Doctors/Dentist - Your kids hear your talk about dreading the doctor’s appointment or getting your teeth worked on. The medical office can have some scary and unfamiliar noises, don’t let that scare them. Don’t be rushed, keep calm and positive when taking them and explain to them what they might hear.
- Dogs - Yes you don’t know why that large dog is off a leash and running towards you and your child. As much as you want to grab your child and run the opposite direction, try not to. Slowly turn and walk away, keeping calm and keeping a close eye on that pooch. Whether it is big or small be aware of how you are acting, your child is watching. Chances are the dog is not chasing you down to attack you but to play.
- Separation - Letting your child sleep in your bed or never leaving them alone at an early age can really hurt your child as they get older. You love your child but being overprotected and in constant fear of leaving your child can give them the same fear. If you don’t let go, taking them to day care just got harder.
So whether you are scared of bugs or too tired to take your child to their own bed, remember you are what helps them with these fears. Whatever the situation is always remain calm and positive. Now go squish that bug!
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