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Specific Phobias
Brief description:
Instead of worrying about multiple
things, phobias refer to a very strong fear of a particular thing (e.g.
dogs, doctors, shots). Some kids can have multiple phobias. The child
fears the situation, and also either avoids the situation or experiences
severe distress about the situation. Children might have a fear of bees
and get so upset that they cannot play in their backyard (avoidance)
or run into their house crying whenever they think they hear a bee,
and can't swim go to summer camp because of this fear. Severe fears
of weather (thunderstorms), costumed characters, small animals or insects,
water, or the dark, are other common childhood phobias.
Though phobias are more contained, they can undermine a child's confidence greatly. When everyday activities such as picnics, even outdoor gym class are avoided because of a fear of bees, kids feel embarrassed that they are terrified in commonplace situations that other children don't even give a second thought.
Red flags:
