You may assume that the child's fear is about dying, when the child's fear is about not having mom or dad there to read a bedtime story. When the child's fears are interpreted, he can begin to understand and to cope. When he is denied this opportunity, he may become more fearful. Children and teens have radar. They know when adults are afraid and are not telling the truth.
Children see the news on TV and hear adults talk.
This simply makes kids worry more and display their worries with strong mood swings, nightmares and aggressive behavior such as hitting, crying or loss of temper. Younger children may react with regressive behavior such as clinging, bed-wetting and thumbsucking. Such behavior is the result of their inability to express their emotions verbally. Adults must take additional time to talk openly, honestly and often. However, all children need more than talking.