How parents can strengthen children in fears before war and climate

How parents can strengthen children in fears before war and climate

In a time when children and adolescents are increasingly faced with global crises and pressure to perform, fears obtain an even greater importance. According to psychologist Elisabeth Raffauf, who has published a book about fears in children, topics such as war, climate change and social exclusion are everyday concerns for many adolescents. The associated fears are often complex and range from fear of failure to loneliness and digital dependency. Such fears can be both protective and stressful and often lead to a feeling of helplessness and urge for control.

parents should take their children's fears seriously and give them that their emotions are legitimate. Raffle emphasizes that frequent warning signals for fear problems are behavioral changes, retreat, sleep disorders and loss of appetite. Open communication is of central importance to support children and create space for discussions.

The importance of the parents' role

The effects of parental fears on children are considerable. A study shows that 40% of parents may transfer their own fears to their children. This transmission can be problematic, since children are oriented towards their parents and take on fearful behaviors. Untreated anxiety diseases in parents can lead to children suffering more often from psychological problems. Help for the parents, such as professional therapy, can have a positive effect on the children and give them a healthy perspective on fears.

It is important to recognize that not all fears are pathological. Development -related fears such as fear of strangers or fear of separation are natural and often temporary for children. Around 85% of parents notice these ages specific fears, which are usually associated with certain development steps. Nevertheless, serious fears that affect the children's daily life must be taken seriously.

strategies for coping with fear

To help children, parents should offer specific support. Positive educational measures are crucial to promote coping with fears. Creative approaches such as painting, role -playing games or tinkering together can be helpful to deal with fears. Open communication between parents and children should be promoted to ensure that children can share their worries.

Professional help is necessary if fears affect everyday life. Signs to be observed are behavioral problems, nightmares or overactivity. If fears last over a longer period of time, the conversation with a specialist should be considered. The exchange with other parents as well as resources such as books and advice centers can also offer valuable support.