Strategies for Coping with Darkness Fears?

Answer 1

Fear of the dark is one of the most common phobias, especially among younger children. Even for adults, however, the dark can be unsettling and may cause feelings of dread or panic in unfamiliar situations. Coping with this fear can be challenging for parents, who may not always understand the causes for this phobia and may be concerned about the child's obvious distress and discomfort. Experts recommend a few simple strategies to help children overcome their fear of darkness more easily and provide both parents and children with valuable peace of mind.

Consider the underlying causes

While not all cases can be explained easily, environmental influences can often cause increased fear of the dark in some children. Frightening television programs or movies, gruesome news footage, problems at home, school pressures and other stressors can contribute to the child's sense of unease. Darkness can amplify those fears and blur the line between reality and fantasy, causing significant distress for the child. By minimizing the child's exposure to these upsetting images, ideas and stressors, parents can often reduce the child's fear of the dark to a considerable degree.

Calm and collected

Children who suffer from fear of the dark may become irrational or even hysterical during an episode. Parents should remain calm when responding to these behaviors, as a harsh or anxious response can further upset the child and create more fear. By calmly addressing the situation in a firm but nonjudgmental way, parents and caregivers can help children cope with their fears more effectively in a loving and supportive environment.

Remain rational

While it may be tempting to respond with "monster killing" strategies or fictional methods for keeping scary creatures at bay, these strategies actually worsen the situation by adding credence to the child's fears. Instead, explain the situation in a truthful and realistic way that addresses the fear honestly. This can help the child develop trust and confidence that can reduce their fear of darkness naturally.

Make accommodations

Night lights, open doors and locked closets can sometimes provide a degree of relief for children suffering from acute fear of the dark. While these are typically short-term measures, they can help children deal with their fears more gradually and may allow both parents and children a measure of peace when coping with the fear of darkness.

While most children outgrow their fear of the dark at a relatively young age, prolonged or extreme cases may require the help of a child therapist or psychologist. These proven strategies should provide some help for most parents, however, and allow everyone in the house to enjoy a peaceful night's rest.