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Is It Possible For Parents or Step-parents To Create Fears in Their Children or Step-children?

Let's read and find out the truth

By Echo LunaPublished 11 months ago 3 min read
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Growing up, kids are prone to various things, some of that may trigger fear or anxiety in them. While these fears are natural, few studies suggest that parents or stepparents can create fears of things in kids. In this essay, we will explore deeper into this matter, analyzing the likely ways in which parents can create fears in children and how these fears can impact the child's life.

Firstly, it is important to comprehend the idea of fear and how it affects people. Fear is an emotional reaction to a perceived threat, whether real or imagined. It can manifest as a physical sensation or a cognitive response, like anxiety, nervousness, or avoidance. When fear becomes pervasive, it can hinder one's life and relationships, leading to significant distress.Parents or stepparents can create fears in kids in various ways. One of the most common habits is through their own fears. Often, parents may have irrational fears of particular things, like animals, heights, or the dark. If a parent continually expresses these fears or avoids situations that trigger them, the child is likely to adopt these fears also. For instance, if a parent is fearful of dogs and constantly avoids them, the child shall develop a similar fear even in the nonappearance of any real threat.Moreover, parents' attempts to protect or advise children about perceived dangers can form fear. While it is essential to keep children safe, too much emphasis on the possible risks of everyday activities can make children fearful and avoidant. For example, a parent who constantly alerts their child about the dangers of strangers may unintentionally create a fear of strangers in the child, leading to social anxiety and isolation.Another habit to which parents can create fears in children is through controlling or authoritarian behavior. When parents are overly controlling and restrict their kid's activities, it can prevent them from learning and growing in a healthy, brave way. The nonstop fear of punishment or disapproval can forge a sense of anxiety and fear in the child, leading to self-doubt and insecurity in their abilities.

Additionally, a stepparent's relationship with their stepchild can cause the creation of fears in kids. Stepparents who try too hard to bond or connect their stepchild may unintentionally generate a sense of pressure or anxiety in the child. For instance, if a stepparent regularly talks about their own fears or past traumas, it may trigger a similar fear response in the child, causing them to avoid certain situations or activities.It is worth noting that a parent or stepparent's behavior are not constantly intentional in creating fears in kids. Often, they can be reacting to their own anxieties or past experiences, without understanding the impact on the child. However, the results of creating fears in children could be severe.

Some of the ways at which point these fears can influence children involve restricting their potential, hindering their social growth, and creating emotional distress. For example, a child who fears speaking in public or making new friends may have difficulty making progress academically or socially. Furthermore, long term anxiety may be detrimental to a child's mental health, possibly leading to depression, panic attacks, or different mental health issues later in life.On the flip side, parents can help to prevent fears in their children by reassuring bravery and resilience. Encouraging youth to face their fears in cautious and controlled environments can help them build assurance and self-esteem. Modeling positive attitudes, such as being calm in bothersome situations or managing fears in a healthy manner, can still be beneficial for children.In conclusion, parents or stepparents can establish fears of things in kids, accidentally or intentionally. These fears can have unfavorable effects on a child's development, restricting their potential, and causing emotional distress. It is essential for parents to be knowledgeable about the potential impact of their actions and to take steps in order to avoid forming fears in their children. Encouraging fearlessness and resilience, modeling positive behavior, and promoting cautious and controlled exposure to fears can help youth to grow into confident, emotionally healthy adults.

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