Patented Q & A Database


Question

With all the frightening stories on television, my six-year-old is afraid to even go in our backyard to play. How can I reassure her (and myself) that she is safe?

Answer

Mark Viator Replied: With all of the occurrences happening today in our society, this world can be a very scary place to our children. One important thing to remember is to never devalue our children's feelings. By not recognizing her being afraid, this would only make her feelings worse. Explore with her what makes her afraid. Then try to either explain or show her that these feelings are natural. Share with her your feelings in an appropriate manner to show her that you to sometimes feel this way. Help her to understand, that while she does have these scared feelings, she should not let them stop her from doing the things she enjoys. Help her continue to do everything she did before all of these terrifying events occurred. Stick to her routines of going outside and playing, of going to school, of going to a friend's house and so on. Routines help provide a feeling of safety, security, and control.
Posted On 2004-04-04 20:46:28
Harry Panjwani Replied: As much as we are obligated to protect our young children, we are even more obligated to empower them to protect themselves. Despite the efforts of parents, teachers and churches, children's innocence is difficult to protect. Programs and marketing promote violent and unsuitable programs while blended families and hours spent away from children do little to help soothe a child's fears. What you can do is to promote a neighborhood watch in your community and display signs outside the homes of participants. Parents united - is the only way this will work. Discuss how your child is to deal with strangers, instructing them to walk away. Provide them with tools such as a whistle. Guide them to appropriate walking paths, which are well lit and populated.
Posted On 2004-04-04 20:37:57
Rhonda Clements Replied: Playing outdoors should be one of your six year old child's greatest joys. Arrange for your child to have a play date with a peer who enjoys playing outdoors. It is normal for children under the age of eight to have vivid imaginations and fears of objects or things. Jean Piaget studied how fantasy and reality in childhood waves and blurs. This phenomenon explains why imaginary creatures such as ghosts, witches, monsters or vampires can frighten children. Explore your backyard's surroundings with your child to learn if a specific object or thing represents your child's worst fear. If your yard in not enclosed, and your child is fearful of a stranger's advances, then reassure your child that at age six and beyond, he or she has the ability to yell and run to safety and you are nearby.
Posted On 2004-04-04 19:53:16
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