Helping Kids Face Their Fears Through Reading

These five methods can help your kiddos enjoy reading and exploring while learning how to stop their fears in their tracks.

Like adults, kids develop all types of fears—bugs, the dark, strangers, and more. Honestly, these were my fears too (and still kind of are, lol). While we encourage little ones to face their fears head-on, reading picture books about fear is another fantastic option for parents and educators to consider.

Whether it’s reading Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna, There’s an Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer, or even Scary, Scary Sasha (by me), children will appreciate seeing characters like them facing and overcoming the same fears. With compelling storylines and vivid illustrations, picture books about fear show readers how characters deal with obstacles while entertaining and enlightening them along the way.

Overall, you can help children feel supported and comfortable about their fears by making reading fun and interactive. Here are five steps you can take to help your little ones face their fears.

1. Find Picture Books About Fear That Are Fun and Engaging

When searching online or visiting your favorite bookstore, choose books with eye-catching illustrations and storylines. Look for books that clearly demonstrate the character’s fear and show how they overcame it.

2. Read the Books Together

Bedtime is usually the ideal time to read with little ones. It helps them relax and unwind. Choose one book and read it aloud. Point out the actions and characters in the illustrations as you read. Help them see the character’s obstacles and achievements. Take your time to let them absorb the details and illustrations. Don’t hesitate to “animate” the story. For example, if something explodes, say “Boom!” with emphasis. This makes reading more fun and engaging.

3. Ask Questions

As you read, ask them what they think will happen next. Inquire about how they think the character is feeling. You can also ask what they would do in that situation. These discussions will aid in helping them understand fear and their feelings about it.

4. Relate to Real Life

If the story mirrors the readers’ fears, help them see how the character experiences the same type of fear. Point out how they handled it. This connection is crucial in helping your readers overcome their fears.

5. Create an Activity Based on the Book

Encourage your little ones to express their fears through simple activities. Here are three ideas to try:

• Encourage them to draw their favorite scene from the book.

• Create a coloring or tracing sheet related to their fear. You can visit Canva.com, search for “coloring sheets,” and choose files to download and print. For instance, if the story is about a fear of spiders, search for “spider coloring sheets” on Canva for various templates.

• Help them write their own story about facing their fear.

  
  

Conclusion

Reading can be a powerful tool for helping children confront their fears. By sharing engaging stories and encouraging discussions, we can create a safe space for them to explore their emotions. Plus, it’s a great way to bond and have fun together!

For more information about books and writing, visit www.birdslovepublishing.com.