Calming a Fearful Child

5 Steps to Calm a Fearful Child:

• Create a calm bedtime routine: For example, reading a bedtime story, giving him a warm bath, or hugging him for several minutes before sleep.

• Teach the child relaxation: A fearful child can be calmed by teaching him breathing exercises—inhaling slowly and deeply, then exhaling the same way—which works to soothe and reduce fear.

• Enhance the child’s self-confidence: Feelings of fear can be reduced by increasing his self-confidence and reinforcing his ability to adapt, by praising the child’s courage and problem-solving skills.

• Distraction: Fear can be reduced by redirecting attention. For infants, distraction can be through singing, stories, or playing. For older children, it can be through looking at photos, watching videos, or listening to music.

• Understanding and absorbing the child’s fears: Parents should talk to the child about his fears, empathize with them without mockery, and support him in order to overcome them.