Anxiety In 6-year-old Children, How Can You Help?

Fear is completely natural in humans, especially in children, who are still discovering the world and its threats. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common types of anxiety in 6-year-old children and how they can be addressed.

When a child has contact with the outside world and gains new knowledge through stories, television or video games, he experiences new feelings.

Children spend most of their time at home with their parents in their first 5 years of life. From the age of 6 , children are more exposed to the real world and to new experiences. They socialize with friends at school, play in the neighbourhood, and have different preferences and priorities.

They may like to watch scary TV shows or kill villains in computer games. But of course they don’t want to feel fear in real life.

Common Triggers of Anxiety in 6-Year-Old Children

At a younger age, a child’s fears are associated with the absence of their parents, animals, monsters, or natural phenomena (lightning, for example). From the age of 6, the range of causes increases considerably.

Here is a list of the most common fears in 6-year-old children:

animals

As we said earlier, the child is now in a phase where he likes to go outside. He may encounter a dog or other animal out there that is hurting him and giving him a bad experience.

This is the most common cause of fear of animals. However, it can also be due to a lack of knowledge.  For example, a child may be afraid of cats. Until he meets a sweet kitten and discovers that cats are actually very nice.

We can also think of insects. Spiders are clearly number one. However, cockroaches and worms are also on the list.

The dark

At this age, children are encouraged to sleep in their own room. Consequently , turning off the light is associated with the appearance of all kinds of evil beings now that the child is alone.

It is a completely natural fear that occurs even in adults. Therefore, be patient and leave a light on at night until your child is no longer afraid.

Bad people

Many children are afraid of thieves, kidnappers or other scary people you might meet on the street.

A certain vigilance makes them wary. Fine, but an exaggerated mistrust without the situation justifying it can be detrimental.

However, it is important that you teach your child not to talk to strangers under any circumstances without a friend or parent around. This way he will be safer and able to get this fear under control.

samples

There is not a child in the world who does not fear monsters. Well, let’s say the vast majority are afraid of monsters. With their imaginations and imaginations in full development, children imagine creatures and situations that are both unimaginable and terrifying.

This is normal for this age, so don’t be alarmed. Just help him stay calm and little by little he will get over it.

Water

Water is another of the common fears in 6-year-old children. The main reason for this is that humans naturally live on land, not in water.

That is why children, unaware of the dangers, feel insecure when they walk into the ocean or a swimming pool. They may even be afraid of drowning in their own bathtub.

To avoid this type of fear, get your child used to contact with water from an early age. This way he knows that you guarantee his safety. He will know that you can have a lot of fun with or even in the water.

How can you help a child who is afraid?

The most important thing is that the parents understand the child and his fears. The child should be heard, understood and guided at all times when feeling anxious.

In addition, it is useful to give a certain item of ‘power’, such as a ‘magic wand’ against monsters. You can also think of a pet that “defends and protects” him from evil creatures.

We can also be an example. When justified, it is best to show the child how to deal with his fears.

What not to do

Here’s a list of things not to do if we want to help 6-year-olds manage their fears:

• Underestimating their fear and saying that they “must be brave” or that “there is no reason to be afraid”.

• Making concessions  when he’s scared. He may use that to his advantage and take advantage of you under the pretense of fear.
• Telling horror stories to discourage a certain behavior, such as going to play on the playground at night.
• Transferring your own fears. This is very common. Think of comments like, “Go away or the boogie man will get you” while the child is playing. Rather say, “Be careful not to hurt yourself.”

Faced with these fears, it is normal for a child to cry and avoid the source of the fear at all costs. If there are any symptoms that you think are exaggerated, see a child psychologist. It can also be a phobia of something in particular.

Finally, remember that we are all afraid of something. Therefore, be understanding. Put yourself in them to help them overcome their fear in the best way.