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- Most kids will actually outgrow fear of the dark by ages 4 to 5, helped along with some specific strategies. But about 20% of kids will have a persistent fear of the dark.
blog.georgiachildrens.org/2020/05/07/if-your-child-is-afraid-of-the-dark/
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Mar 28, 2022 · Nyctophobia is very common, especially among children. Some researchers estimate that nearly 45% of children have an unusually strong fear of some kind. Fear of the dark is one of the most common fears among kids between 6 and 12 years old. Kids usually outgrow nyctophobia by adolescence, but not always. Advertisement.
- Get to the root of the fear. Find out what it is about the darkness that’s scaring your child. Ask open-ended questions to allow your child to tell you what’s triggering their fear.
- Don’t reinforce the fear. Dr. O’Connor says it’s best not to participate in your child’s fear of things that go bump in the night. For example, promising to rid their room of the creatures or inspecting the closet for monsters can reinforce their fears.
- Encourage them to stay in their room. If you need to, it’s better to join your child in their room to provide comfort than to let them leave their bedroom and join you in yours or another room.
- Build your kid up. Building up your child’s self-confidence and coping skills during the day can help them overcome their fear of the dark. During daytime hours, work on activities that help build self-confidence.
May 7, 2020 · Most kids will actually outgrow fear of the dark by ages 4 to 5, helped along with some specific strategies. But about 20% of kids will have a persistent fear of the dark. “It’s not always so easy to unlearn those startled, anxious, fearful responses,” said Mabe.
Aug 17, 2023 · Many children naturally outgrow a fear of the dark, but if your child’s fears are intense or long-lasting, it’s important to address them. Thankfully, therapy is a wonderful and effective way to manage a fear of darkness.
Aug 1, 2024 · Having nyctophobia means you have an irrational and extreme fear of the dark. If left untreated, a fear of the dark can impact your sleep and quality of life. It's common to be afraid of the dark at some point in your childhood, but for some adults, these feelings can persist and affect their functional ability.
With your understanding and support, your child will eventually feel safe at night and the fear of the dark will pass. This will take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If their fear persists, discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.
Oct 13, 2023 · Most kids between 3 and 6 have fears of the dark; this is a normal developmental phase. A fear becomes a specific phobia—in this case, nyctophobia—when it becomes disruptive in daily life....
