Fear and Child
Fear is produced by so many situations that we are likely to conclude that all fears are inborn or unlearned, but this is not the case. The child who is sent to bed with some threat may come to fear the dark. A . child who observes.a memLer of the family showing, or even talking about, fear of an animal may become afraid of it without having personally been frightened by the animal.
Although the baby learns most of his fears, there are a few things he wiII naturally be afraid of: strange and unexpected situations and objects, thunder, lightning, and sonic booms. Once babies get used to these happenings, so that they are no longer strange and unexpected, fear may cease.
There are no simple and direct rules that all parents can follow in obtaining effective emotional control over the fear of their children, but several helpful suggestions can be made. First, one should keep reminding himself that most fears are learned. Removing certain stimuli will prevent some fears from becoming established. Preventing disturbing associations for the child insofar as possible goes a long way toward keeping fears at a minimum. Second, it is important that the child be made to feel secure, free from threats, too-frequent punishments (psychological as well as physical), and sudden. unexpected situations. Third, fear is associated with injuries. so give the child comfort when he is hurt. This kind of comfort will not lead to spoiling. Finally, set the child a good example, not an example in "bravery,"but the example of not exhibiting or talking of fears, It is comforting to remember that most fears, except the very severe ones, pass away with time.
