How to avoid telling your child your fears

As parents, we all want to help our children live a better life than they do.This is especially true when checking Our children avoid some of our anxieties, such as fear of flying, driving, acrophobia, money-surrounding anxiety and social anxiety.

“It’s not easy because we all have something we’re afraid of,” he said. Susan NewmanPsychologist, parenting expert, author Raising the Only Child: The Joy and Challenge of Raising Your One and Only..

Our children notice more than we are aware of

Easy to think You can avoid simply communicating your fears By hiding them from our children. But, as Newman points out, children are more aware than we are aware of. “Children are much more accustomed to their parents than they want to believe,” Newman said. “It starts pretty early.”

Our children depend on us for all their physical and emotional needs. They are our words, actions, And body language, whether we’re always aware of how to avoid dogs, how to be tense while driving, or quiet conversations about money.

“They are raising their antennas in sync with how their parents behave and react,” Newman said. “If you think we are camouflaging anxiety, it’s very unlikely.”

How to Model a Healthy Coping Strategy

Children will notice our fears. Being completely fearless is usually not an option —Some fear is normal, energy-So the best way to help your child avoid your fears is to acknowledge them and model a healthy coping strategy.

Some of Newman’s suggestions include actively addressing your own fears and finding other adults who can help your child in the activity. You are reading a book to your child about fear, and overcoming your fear.

Sometimes it too Helps you be honest with your child. “Often you can explain to your child what you missed,” Newman said. For example, if you are afraid of swimming, you can explain that you regret not taking swimming lessons as a child.And all potential activities As a result you missed.

Don’t say “be careful”

Newman is also recommended Don’t tell your child to be careful, Because it tends to be a statement that arouses fear and attention.Instead, she recommends using a specific language And focus on problem solving. For example, instead of telling your child to be careful about climbing trees, you can ask your child if they have thought about how to climb a tree.

TDoing this with your child can help them think Through how they climb trees, what the potential risks are, and whether they think it can succeed.

“You provide your child with the tools they need to assess possible situations without you,” Newman said.