I can still hear that scream in my mind like a scene from a movie. The high-pitched wail echoed through our little apartment in Brooklyn when my son, Leo, recalled a frightening image from a Minecraft video he had watched earlier that day. No matter how much we try to shield our kids, it’s impossible to predict what will trigger their fears. We rushed to comfort him until he finally drifted off to sleep, but this wasn’t just a fleeting moment of fright—it became a recurring issue.
Days turned into weeks, and before we knew it, an entire summer passed with us dealing with Leo’s nighttime fears. As soon as it was time for bed, he would remind us, “Every time I close my eyes, I see him.” It’s heart-wrenching as a parent to witness your child so frightened, feeling utterly helpless in the situation.
Anxiety is a term often used in adult conversations, but what happens when it’s a child experiencing it? Many parents dismiss it as mere fear, leading to the question: When do we step in and seek professional help?
Every situation is unique, which can be both comforting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, I often felt frustrated, wanting to tell Leo to just snap out of it, reminding him he was safe. But that wouldn’t solve anything. I’m not a therapist, just a concerned mom, so here’s what we did when we noticed Leo’s fears escalating.
Talk It Through.
Yes, it’s crucial to discuss the issue. Help them understand that you recognize their fear and work together on a plan to tackle it. Let your child know you’re on their team, not upset with them. Sometimes, confronting fears is necessary for growth and learning for the whole family.
Set Boundaries.
In our case, we had to limit Leo’s YouTube time and approve what he was watching. Since every fear is different, establish boundaries tailored to your child’s specific situation.
Recognize the Impact.
For us, Leo’s fears were mainly nighttime-related, so they didn’t disrupt his daily activities. However, we began to anticipate the nightly struggles, which was concerning and indicated we needed to approach the situation more seriously.
Give It Some Time.
My husband and I decided on a timeframe to see if Leo’s fears would subside before considering professional help. We aimed to make the situation as stress-free as possible but were open to seeking outside support if needed. If the fears persist after your set time, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s doctor for recommendations to help your family get back on track.
Now that the school year has resumed, with earlier mornings, increased activities, and homework, Leo has returned to a more normal routine. Although we still hear about his fears occasionally, they have lessened on their own over time.
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In summary, dealing with a child’s anxiety can be overwhelming, but open communication, boundaries, and patience are key. If the situation escalates, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.