It wouldn't be correct to make them face the fear, for example, if they're afraid of snakes and they're put in a room full of snakes without being prepared first. It takes some coaching to help kids recognize that they have some skills. If parents know in advance about a situation that will most likely be emotionally upsetting, Dr. Kopp recommends planning ahead. If you're moving, introduce the child to the new home beforehand if at all possible. If you're taking a vacation without your children, make sure the babysitter comes to the house a lot before the vacation.
Diversions are another tactic for offsetting fearful events.
If your child is going to the doctor's and is going to get a shot, maybe you can do something neat on the way home. Dr. Eder urges parents to find solutions that are appropriate to children. Be sure you've tuned into the child's emotion, not your own. Then find ways that work to cope with those fears from the child's point of view. The important thing is helping your child develop a routine to deal with it.