Fear can build up in a child for a variety of reasons.
For my son, fear gripped his heart the first day of preschool. It took close to 2 very long weeks before he could walk into class with a big smile on his face.
Those 2 weeks were torture for us. I felt helpless and it took everything within me to not rush back into his classroom, gather him in my arms and take him back home. I listened to wise advice from the school’s administrator, empathetic teachers and even parents who had kids in other classes. I chose to leave him in there and wait, pray and wait for the day when he would stop the tears. The two weeks that he would cry were hard on him too. It took time but he eventually overcame that fear.
I now look back on that season as one of learning both for us as parents and for our son. Though we couldn’t see it, our faith was being built up as we relied on Him to do a work in our son’s heart. My son learnt to pray about his fears to his Heavenly Father and from thereon has begun a sweet trust in a prayer answering God,
Your child may be going through a similar season of uncertainty and fear. I pray he may overcome the same quickly and that you as his parent and biggest cheerleader may encourage him through that journey.
How we empowered our son to overcome fear
1. We prayed for our son and with our son, using verses from the Bible.
2. We listened to music that would encourage. This Veggie Tale version continues to be a favorite that we listen to on our way to school.
3. We’d read stories from the Bible of brave young men who could have been scared in their situations but they trusted God. God helped them and was with them. (Daniel, David, Joseph)
We would also read faith building books.
I really wish Lysa TerKeurst’s book, It Will Be Okay , was in our library at the time. We were sent a preview copy of this sweet book that teaches little ones that they can trust God in uncertain times.(Lysa’s book hits the market on October 7, 2014)
Sara says
October 7, 2014 at 8:36 pmMy son is only 14 months old, but hugs and cuddling with me or my husband makes him feel better <3
Liz says
October 9, 2014 at 11:27 pmMy heart just crumbled when I read the post…so pleased and relieved that all is well with sonny…sunshine and smiles .The whole worldcan be intimidating for a young lad just stepping out from his cocoon… xx
Kristie says
October 10, 2014 at 8:16 amUsually hugs make my son feel better when he’s afraid. 🙂
Tonya Atkinson says
October 10, 2014 at 2:19 pmSoothing words and comfort from me and his daddy.
Jennifer Tilson says
October 10, 2014 at 8:35 pmSnuggles with me and his blanket help my little guy feel safer.
Cheryl says
October 10, 2014 at 11:11 pmHugs and kisses.
Jennifer Cervantes says
October 11, 2014 at 4:58 pmHugs and cuddling along with talking it out help my kids overcome fear.
Alison Gibb says
October 11, 2014 at 5:40 pmHugs from his Momma!
Jan Lee says
October 11, 2014 at 5:51 pmMy great niece wants to be picked up and cuddled while we talk softly to her 🙂
Sara Sharp says
October 11, 2014 at 10:44 pmMommy and Daddy laying in there until they fall asleep, or being tucked in under the blanket, no spaces to move because “no one can get them.”
Jenn Crawford-Lierman says
October 12, 2014 at 12:45 amMy son has a lot of medical issues lately, which have included being admitted to the hospital, some pretty serious testing & lots of blood work. Pretty scary for a 9 year old. I try to sit down & explain to him what is going on, as best that I can & give him lots of hugs & kisses. He got through his 3 day hospital stay with a favorite stuffed animal & blanket.
Alina Hahn says
October 12, 2014 at 12:41 pmHe likes to be cuddled and for me to rub his back. Distraction and funny stories work too!
Cindy B says
October 12, 2014 at 3:06 pmMy lil’s feel better when I hold them and tell them what’s going on or just sing our special song together.
latanya says
October 13, 2014 at 12:25 pmI sing a song and give kisses and hugs
priya ramki says
October 13, 2014 at 9:40 pmI tell my daughter to pray to God and he will keep her safe…
Terra Heck says
October 14, 2014 at 4:13 amSoothing words, reassurance, and cuddles help my kids feel better and help them overcome fear. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Jennifer Hiles says
October 14, 2014 at 2:19 pmMy daughter is 3 and when she is afraid, she wants one of two things: mommy or blankie. Normally both! jjoliet(at)hotmail(dot)com
Teresa Thompson says
October 17, 2014 at 11:01 amHugs, kisses and cuddles always calms the fears.
Lindsay says
October 17, 2014 at 12:52 pmHugs from mommy and daddy
Linda Bradshaw says
October 17, 2014 at 3:03 pmyou can’t go wrong with hugs from mom and dad.
Crissie Woolard says
October 17, 2014 at 5:54 pmmy daughter loves climbing in my lap with her blanket
Joanne says
October 17, 2014 at 6:49 pmMy sin feels better when we snuggle and talk about what he’s afriad of.
Nicole Lancaster says
October 18, 2014 at 12:31 pmA hug and her favorite blanket makes my child feel better when she is afraid.
christine j says
October 18, 2014 at 10:24 pmmy daughter loves to have the night light on along with her stuffed puppy dog