Fear in children from 9 to 12 years

Fears can be normal or transient. In general, usually appear in children at the same age, they change according to the evolutionary stage in which they are and disappear after a short time. Fear is a basic emotion and as such is important for the proper development of each individual. This emotion h

Fears can be normal or transient. In general, usually appear in children at the same age, they change according to the evolutionary stage in which they are and disappear after a short time.

Fear is a basic emotion and as such is important for the proper development of each individual. This emotion has universal value and survival. From its origins it is evolving to produce adaptive responses, that is, it helps us to know how to detect and solve the problems that arise.

What fears children from 9 to 12 years suffer

During the development of the child the emotion of fear occurs naturally, so it does not involve any pathology. Moreover, fear should be considered as an integral part of the child's normal development.

Children in the 9-12 age group have to learn to manage their difficulties. The fears are more realistic and specific:

- Possibility of accidents and catastrophes: At this stage children are very sensitive to problems that may occur in reality. At this age they encounter difficulties in managing other emotions. In addition, they do not know well the role they play.

As for the death, they already understand that they are going to die some day too. Although they believe that it will be when they are very old, it distresses them.

- Fear of criticism: In these ages the self-esteem is very fragile and this makes in certain social situations how to act in a group is a difficulty and there is fear of what they can say and negative evaluation by others.

- Fear of school failure: This fear is also associated with the self-esteem problems that occur at this stage. It is possible, in addition, that the child feels anxiety before the exams and that it has negative thoughts towards the future.

- Fear of separation from parents in those cases where the child perceives an unstable environment in the family. Separation from parents is one of the most difficult situations that a child can face. It is a very frequent fear at this age. When seeing tense situations the child has anxiety.

- Fear of loneliness: At this age, loneliness scares us because it makes us feel helpless. It can occur when they stay at school, because although they are surrounded by others and do not feel accepted. Or at home, when they are in their room alone but there are people at home. There is a significant decrease, both to fear of darkness and to imaginary beings, and to fear of animals.

When parents should worry

Most of these fears resolve spontaneously as the child grows, but if the child has an exaggerated or disproportionate fear that interferes with their daily lives, this may indicate that there is a problem. El Parental support is essential to prevent this from happening. If they persist until adulthood it is recommended to consult an expert.