Kids and fears
Everyone has worries and fears. Some children are afraid
of one specific thing, like bugs, dogs, the dark or storms. Some kids are afraid of many things like getting lost, being alone,
the dark, new places and more. Even adults feel worried at times. As we grow older many of those fears go away because we
learned the difference between a real danger and something that won't actually cause us harm. We also learn as we grow
ways to stay and be safe.
Many older kids still worry about: grades, relationships,
being popular, being teased or not accepted by other kids, finding a job, leaving home, death, finding a boy/girl friend,
scary things on tv or things that happen in real life that are scary and even world problems like poverty, war and pollution.
I was very, very, very scared to speak in front of my classmates when I was in middle and high school. I avoided public speaking
at every chance I could.
It isn't easy to admit that
you are scared. It is okay to have fears and worries. Maybe you have difficulty understanding your fears. Make a list of all
of your fears and worries. It is helpful to keep a journal and write them down. Ask yourself: where in your body do you feel
fear? What does it feel like? If you were to draw your body, what color would the fear be? Which fears are the hardest
to deal with? Who can you talk to about what is bothering you. What could you tell them? How may that person help?
What are some things you can do that help you to feel better?