Children grow up fearing a range of things like ghosts and goblins, sometimes even things as funny as a clown. There could be nightmares as well as cold sweats. This upsets parents as they feel the behavior is babyish. However, fears are a part of life and growing up. Most children outgrow fear with age, but it is for the parents to help the child feel stronger and comfortable, and deal with what bothers her with patience and understanding.

Deal with stress: Fear could be manifesting itself in the form of stress in children. Physically, stress may manifest itself through headaches, tummy aches, stammering or bed wetting; emotionally, there may be anxiety, crying, aggression, clinging or insomnia. Fears come in stages. An infant is usually afraid of objects or sudden noises; a toddler worries about being left alone and away from his parents. As the child grows, fear becomes varied and projects itself in the form of fear of darkness, animals, water, snakes or monsters. By the age of five, a child’s perception of stress usually changes and becomes more personal, sometimes expressing itself whilst making friends, through the fear of exam failure or apprehension about peer ridicule. The trouble some teenage years don’t get any better, stress channels itself into doubts about the changing body, isolation and worries about the future. The bogey man is persistent, unless you take adequate steps to box him good.

Steps to conquer fear: All is not lost, there are ways to help your kids nail that bogey man and banish him into the attic forever; after all, and you’ve probably been through the growing pains yourself. Here’s how you tackle with this problem:
• Create a warm, friendly and secure environment at home so that children can freely confide their fears.
• Set an example by talking about your fears and nightmares and how you plan to face them in the future.
• Whatever you do, do not force children to face fear if they are not ready. If dogs scare them, move away from the animal. Similarly, do not force strangers on them.
• If your child shows apprehension about accepting a particular toy, have it removed from her proximity.
• Plan way a head if you feel a situation might be emotionally upsetting. For example, when moving home, introduce kids to the idea of a new home or to the new home itself.
• The fear of separation is big in early childhood. Take it one step at a time. For example, while leaving the kids behind when you go on vacation, ensure that your child is used to the idea of having been separated from you.
• Diversion is a good tactic. For example, while taking the child for a vaccine shot, promise something interesting on the way back, like an ice cream or chocolate.
• Many children feel distressed due to family conflicts. Try avoiding arguments in front of your children.
• Do not scold a child if he is aloof or an introvert. Make him understand the importance of friendship with others kids of his age.
• Do not force activities on him if he is not comfortable with them like swimming classes, or music classes.

Be there as your child grows. Understand that teenagers have their own complexes and issues to deal with. Be vigilant, show them you understand and put their fears to rest with assurances and support. Be a friend at all times, no matter what.