😨 Managing Fears Cont.🌱

In this newsletter, you will get....

• Feature Article

• Activity of the Week

Feature Article

Things that seem harmless to adults may be scary for children. With insight, understanding, and patience, adults can help children manage their fears. In the article Taming the Monsters: Helping Kids Deal with Their Fears by Paediatrics & Child Health, eight strategies are provided to support children when they face fears

Activity of the Week

The Fear Ladder activity is a great way to help children gradually face and overcome their fears by breaking down a big, overwhelming fear into small, manageable steps.

1. Identify the Fear

2. Create the Ladder

• On a piece of paper, draw a ladder with several rungs. Label the bottom rung as the least scary action they can take related to their fear, and the top rung as the scariest or final goal.

• Use about 5-7 rungs on the ladder to break down steps from the least fearful action to the biggest challenge. Each rung is a gradual increase in difficulty, allowing your child to approach their fear one small step at a time.

3. Brainstorm Manageable Steps

• Work together to come up with steps they feel comfortable trying. For example, if the child is afraid of the dark, the rungs might look like this:

  • Rung 1: Sleeping with a nightlight on.

  • Rung 2: Sleeping with a small lamp on.

  • Rung 3: Sleeping with only the hallway light on.

  • Rung 4: Sleeping with the door open but no light on.

  • Rung 5: Sleeping with the door closed and no light on.

• It’s important to ensure each step feels doable. Encourage your child to give input on what feels like the right amount of challenge.

4. Start Climbing the Ladder

• Begin with the first step and let your child experience the situation without too much pressure. They should attempt each step a few times, ideally until they feel less anxious about it.

• As they progress, celebrate each successful step with positive reinforcement, such as a high-five, sticker, or a small reward.

5. Move Up When Ready

• Once your child feels comfortable with the current rung, move to the next one. If they become too scared, you can always return to an easier rung and try again later.

• Allow flexibility; if a step feels overwhelming, adjust it slightly so your child can feel a sense of accomplishment without too much stress.

6. Reflect and Celebrate

• When your child reaches the top rung, celebrate this accomplishment together. Reflect on the journey, and talk about how brave they were at each step. You can even add a “reward rung” or create a little certificate to recognize their bravery.

The Fear Ladder teaches children that fear is something they can work through in manageable steps. This method builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of control over their own emotions. Children learn that they can face and conquer fears one step at a time, setting a strong foundation for tackling other challenges as they grow.