Tip Tuesday: Afraid of the Dark Angst (Post 4/5)

Posted on December 22nd, 2015

Today's tip is a very important one- what NOT to do when your child is afraid of the dark!

 

Here Are Some Things To Avoid:

Not Acknowledging Your Child’s Fears

By diminishing your child’s feelings, the child might feel they can’t be honest with communicating their feelings with you or fear you will be mad or be disappointed in them.  Try to avoid calling names and/or making statements such as, “Be a big boy" or "Only babies are afraid of the dark."

Using Fears as Threats 

By making threats it not only reinforces your child's imaginary thoughts but it is also counterproductive to making your child feel safe. An example might be "If you don't hurry up and go to the bathroom the boogie man will come"