The Fearful Child
Helping children manage their emotions, teaching them strategies and giving them tools to learn how to deal with their emotions builds confidence and independence. My mentor has a great strategy - turn fear into excitement. The physiological response to fear & anxiety is the exact same as when we’re excited, the difference is how we are feeling emotionally and mentally. Our capacity to handle a fearful situation is increased when we use the strategy of turning fear into excitement.
Most fears are a natural part of childhood. However, if fears start affecting daily life this can tip over into anxiety. There are tools and strategies to use for both fear and anxiety which I teach my clients. Some children’s fears are also ingerited from their parents, so it is important for parents to also work on their own fears to help their child overcome theirs.
From my own personal experience with Xavier there are times when I have prepared in advance for fearful situatons and use all the tools in my toolbox beforehand. For example, I prepared for Xavier’s first time on an aeroplane which was also a long-haul flight. Preparing beforehand like this can lessen the fight or flight response significantly, although sometimes the response can still happen and then it’s a matter of then managing the aftermath.
My favourite oil to use for fear is dōTERRA Brave as it helps with the fight or flight response. I could also never be without the two dōTERRA oils Copaiba and Yarrow Pom.dōTERRAdōTERRA