Here's the right way to deal with children who are afraid of animals • hello healthy

Most young children, especially those only 2-7 years of age, are usually afraid to "be friends" with animals. Even with domestic cats. What is the reason why children are afraid of animals - even though they have never interacted with animals at all, just seeing them from afar? Is there a way to solve it?

What causes children to be afraid of animals?

Basically, children are easily scared. What's more, according to Dr. William Sear from Parenting, children generally do not have a correct understanding that most domestic animals that are often encountered, such as chickens, cats, or dogs, are not dangerous creatures.

Children perceive animals as something completely new and foreign to their world. Because from infancy to date, most children generally only interact fully with fellow humans - whether it's with mothers, fathers, aunts, older siblings, and neighbors. It is not surprising that children show high alertness, maybe even cry screaming in fear, when faced with animals without prior introduction.

How to deal with a child who is afraid of animals?

If the child has never previously interacted with or encountered animals, even insects and reptiles, do not ever scare children into thinking that animals are disgusting or scary. Moreover, never use an animal as a threat mode when he is acting naughty. For example, threatening to poke a child with a lizard or lock him up with a dog if he doesn't obey. Unfortunately, these two things often happen out there and are the origin of the child's fear of animals which continues to be traumatized until they are adults.

Here are some steps parents can take to overcome the problem of children being afraid of animals, and preventing them from developing into their own phobia when they grow up.

1. Introduce different types of animals through books or films

Initially, you can introduce animals to your children through reading books or movies. Choose a book or film that features the animal character your child is afraid of. For example, if your child is afraid of the bridge, you can play the film 101 Dalmations or through the comic book Tintin is familiar with his pet dog Snowy. Teach them that these animals are not dangerous and get your children to know them gradually.

Avoid scary animal storytelling, such as “Then, the crocodile ate him alive! Raawwwrr !! " or "The dog bit Andi", with a frightened expression. This will actually make the child even more afraid and disliking the animal, or even nightmares about the animal.

2. Introduce through toys

To introduce animals, try buying children various kinds of toys with animal shapes, let the children choose their favorite animal toys. That way there will be a sense of belonging from the child, toys can be a medium that can describe the nature of animals towards children. It is advisable not to force the choice of the child, because this will cause the child to get bored and displeasing the animal character

3. Invite children to play with friends who have animals

Not all children are afraid of animals. Some children are used to growing up with pets since they are still in the womb. Now, if your child has friends who are close to animals, you can try to invite them to play at their friends' houses.

Every now and then let the child see how friends his age are playing and taking care of their pets. By paying attention to this, it can help children overcome their fear of animals that are not really scary.

4. Visit a pet store or zoo

Next you can try to see the cute animals on pet shop who sells pets. First of all you introduce the pets that are there, it will be very helpful if you introduce as well as hold them. When you see him getting interested, ask him to join in as well. That way, children will have their own attraction to animals later.