Helping Your Child With Fears and Worries

Synopsis

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS OVERCOMING YOUR CHILD'S FEARS AND WORRIES

Does your child suffer from fears and worries that affect their behaviour or keep them awake at night?

Fears and worries are very common among children with around 15% thought to suffer from anxiety disorders; the most commonly identified emotional or behavioural problems among children. However, if left unchecked, they can cause more serious problems such as school avoidance, difficulties in making friends and long-term problems with anxiety and depression.

Written by two of the UK's foremost experts on childhood anxiety, this extremely useful guide will enable you to understand what is causing your child's worries and to carry out step-by-step practical strategies to help him or her to overcome them, including:

· Addressing specific fears and phobias as well as general anxiety and 'worrying'
· Using case studies, worksheets and charts

Helping Your Child is a series for parents and caregivers to support children through developmental difficulties, both psychological and physical. Each guide uses clinically-proven techniques.

Series editors: Professor Peter Cooper and Dr Polly Waite

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding Your Child's Fears

This chapter provides an overview of what fears and worries are, how they develop, and how they differ from normal anxieties. It discusses common types of childhood fears and the potential reasons behind them.

Real Example: A 6-year-old girl is afraid of the dark because she believes there are monsters in her closet.

Chapter 2: Helping Your Child Overcome Fears

This chapter offers practical strategies for parents to help their children manage and overcome their fears. It emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment and avoiding excessive reassurance or punishment.

Real Example: The parents of the girl with a fear of the dark help her by leaving a nightlight on, talking to her about her fears, and gradually encouraging her to spend more time in the dark.

Chapter 3: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Childhood Fears

This chapter introduces CBT techniques that parents can use to help their children challenge their negative thoughts and behaviors related to their fears. It explains strategies such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and relaxation training.

Real Example: The therapist teaches the girl with a fear of the dark to identify and challenge her negative thoughts ("There are monsters in my closet") and replace them with positive thoughts ("My closet is safe and empty").

Chapter 4: Exposure Therapy

This chapter focuses on the importance of exposing children to their fears in a safe and controlled environment. It provides step-by-step instructions for conducting exposure therapy sessions and managing anxiety during the process.

Real Example: The girl with a fear of the dark is gradually exposed to the dark by starting with short sessions and working up to longer ones. She is encouraged to stay in the dark despite her anxiety.

Chapter 5: Medication

This chapter discusses the role of medication in treating childhood fears and worries. It explains the types of medications available, their potential risks and benefits, and the decision-making process for parents.

Real Example: The doctor prescribes an anti-anxiety medication for a 9-year-old boy with severe anxiety that has not responded to previous interventions. The medication helps the boy manage his anxiety symptoms and improve his overall functioning.

Chapter 6: Other Professional Help

This chapter provides information about other professionals who can help parents and children with childhood fears, such as child psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. It discusses their roles and when to seek their assistance.

Real Example: The parents of a child with a fear of heights consult a child psychologist who specializes in exposure therapy and provides additional support to the child and family.

Chapter 7: Helping Your Child Stay Worry-Free

This chapter emphasizes the importance of prevention and maintenance strategies to help children stay worry-free in the long term. It suggests tips for promoting positive mental health, building resilience, and managing stress.

Real Example: The parents of the girl with a fear of the dark continue to encourage her to face her fear, provide reassurance when needed, and teach her coping mechanisms for managing anxiety.