This is why being scared is good for a child

Screaming, stiffening, running away: these are the most common reactions of children in a scary situation, according to research. Still, shivering isn’t all that bad. An expert explains why.

29 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 12 freeze in a scary situation, according to research commissioned by Walibi. A third of the children scream and 20 percent run away. Doesn’t sound nice, but according to child and parent coach Elliette Kreek, shivering is actually healthy.

Shivering is healthy

The expert explains that it contributes to the social-emotional development of children. In this way they learn the difference between good and evil and why it is so important to be helpful. Their self-confidence also gets a boost, because they overcome fears. Moreover, the emotion of fear is simply part of life. “How can you feel safe and secure if you don’t know what it feels like to be afraid. It is good to teach children that fear is an emotion that they are allowed to feel,” says Elliette.

Discharge is important

After the screaming, stiffening and running away comes the release. And that is very important, explains Elliette. In fact, it is essential for processing the scary situation. The tension then moves to a place in the brain where it can be processed. What does that discharge look like? Some children have to laugh or run, others talk about the situation. According to the expert, it is extremely important that children learn to deal with creeps in a safe environment, so that they learn the difference between real and fake learning, recognize emotions and name them.

Also read: Nightmares in children: this is how you deal with them

Tips from an expert

Halloween is just around the corner, so the horror movies, spooky decorations and costumes are flying around you. Planning to get spooked with your kid? Then Eliëtte has a few tips for you.

• Check the subject of that creepy book, movie or event, such as the Spooky Days in Walibi. Is your child terrified of witches? Leave books about witches aside for a while. That can only increase the fear.
• Does your child find it exciting? Talk to each other. Explain that your child is safe, that what you see in movies is not real, but also that it is okay to be afraid. Children under the age of eight are in the ‘magic phase’. “It is then important to monitor your child closely during anxious situations and to provide safety so that they dare to push their limits,” she advises.
• Even in the case of nightmares, it is important to keep talking. This is the only way your child learns to handle exciting situations well. And remember: nightmares pass on their own.

Source: Walibi

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