10 Ways to Deal With Your Children’s Fears Head On!

Does your child have fears?

Do your child’s fears prevent them from living a normal life? 

When we experience fear, our hearts beat faster, our nerves activate, we break out in sweat, and we feel a “lump in our throat.” This isn’t the greatest feeling in the world, but you know it’s fear when you experience it yourself.

Some common childhood fears include: ghosts, large objects, strangers, dogs, snakes, spiders, being home alone, noises at night, fear of failure, etc.

There are many types of fears, so it’s important to let your children know that you’re there for them if they need you. Most children will grow out of their fears with time, but with some kids it may take longer.

According to Kids Health from Nemours, “to help your child deal with fears and anxieties:

• Recognize that the fear is real.
• Never belittle the fear as a way of forcing your child to overcome it.
• Provide support and gentle care as you approach the feared object or situation with your child.
• Teach kids how to rate fear.
• Teach coping strategies. Using you as "home base," your child can venture out toward the feared object, and then return to you for safety before venturing out again. Kids also can learn some positive self-statements (such as "I can do this" and "I will be OK") to say to themselves when feeling anxious.

Give these recommendations a try. Your child will be able to live a better, less stressed life by conquering their fears when they’re younger rather than shrugging it off and having to deal with it again when they’re older. If your child doesn’t face their fears during their childhood it could reduce their quality of life.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Milan, we are dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

The Absolute Best Way to Fight Post-Partum Depression: Join Hike it Baby!

Are you looking for a way to meet new parents?

Is being a stay-at-home Mom giving you the blues?

Do you have a hard time getting back into your exercise routine?

Hike it Baby, a national organization that encourages women and families to get out into nature and be active as soon as possible after the birthing process, has a new branch in the Ann Arbor area.  

Hike it Baby hosts free hikes for families to help minimize the effects of postpartum depression in new mothers (and fathers), create a network of like-minded individuals, help families discover new parts of their cities, and teach children an appreciation for nature. Shanti Hodges founded the organization in 2013 in Portland, Oregon. It has since grown branches in over 76 cities in the United States, Canada, and Australia, including Ann Arbor.

What does Hike it Baby Have to Offer?

If you join Hike it Baby you’ll be a part of a nurturing community that will help you build the confidence and strength you need after giving birth. In the future, the group will host “New Mom” hikes for newborns that give new mothers a chance to focus on their healing, “Preschool Hikes” that will feature a story or a craft project after the hike, and Dad Hikes that get fathers on the trails with their little ones.

 

Volunteers lead the hikes. Two of ‘yours truly’ – Little Angels staff members Annie Fortunato and Diana Theiss –currently host 4 weekly hikes, and numerous “extra" hikes throughout the week. Hike it Baby welcomes everyone from mom and dad to granny and nanny.

Are You Interested in Hike it Baby?

For more information, please visit www.hikeitbaby.com. Interested in joining in on a Hike it Baby hike? Please visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/hikeitbabyannarbor

Why is Getting the Right Amount of Sleep Crucial for Kids?

Is your child having a hard time sleeping at night?

Are there monsters under the bed? In the closet?

Does your child have many extracurricular activities that keep them riled up all night?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.” When your child is fast asleep, it also allows you a haven of comfort and joyful rest. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for the day’s festivities.

If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it’s important that you put them on a sleep schedule. Sleep schedules have been known to help a child stick to a routine. According to WebMD, “there is no one right routine for everyone, but in general, your routine should include all the things that your child needs to do before going to sleep, like brushing teeth, washing up, putting on PJs, and having a snack or drink of water. Your child may want to be read to, talk about the day, or told a story. Whatever you choose to do, keep the routine short (30 minutes or less, not including a bath) and be firm about ending it when it's time to sleep.”

According to Parents.com, not getting the recommended amount of sleep per day can lead to problems in school like:

• Attention problems
• Reduced cognitive functioning
• Dulled memory
• Hyperactive behavior
• Emotional outbursts
• Attendance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some healthy right before bedtime snack recommendations?

Healthy snacks before bedtime that we recommend include cereal, fruit, graham crackers, string cheese. Try to avoid large snacks as it can interfere with having to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

What if my child refuses to go to sleep at a scheduled time?

If your child refuses to go to sleep at a scheduled time, stand firm and set limits. Be clear with your child on the rules you set and stick to them.

Should I stick with a routine even on the weekends?

If you don’t want your child to fall out of a sleep schedule, then it’s better to stick to the schedule that you’ve laid out. If you’re loosey goosy on the weekends, your child may think that they can get away with going to bed later during school nights. Keep your eye on the prize! 

A sleep schedule that your child sticks with in the long term will give you more “me time.” Can you imagine what you could do in an extra hour of child-free time? You could read the novel you’ve always wanted to finish, watch your recorded soap operas, wash your hair in peace, etc. The possibilities are endless! 

At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare in Milan or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.