Children seem to have more fears than older people. In their early years most children go through brief periods in which they show definite fear of certain objects or events. Lack of experience explains many of these fears. Other fears grow out of terrifying events. For example, a child who almost drowned may refuse to go near the water.
Parents can do several things to help their fearful children.
Many fears, like a fear of strangers, are outgrown within a few months. A child who's terrified of dogs at age two may be begging for a puppy by kindergarten. Respect the child's feelings and insist that others do the same. Some people enjoy teasing children about their fears. Besides being unkind, this just strengthens the fear.