The Phobia Of Insects In Children – You Are Parents

Does your child have a very intense and irrational fear of insects? If so, it could be a phobia. Although it is not that bad, it is advisable to get rid of the phobia of insects as soon as possible. In this article, you will learn more about it.

First of all, it is worth clarifying that  there is a big difference between a phobia and a fear. The latter is a feeling of aversion and fear towards something. All people feel it at one time or another.

In addition,  it is a necessary mechanism for our survival. Throughout his life, fear has helped man to remain alert to and overcome possible threats.

However, a phobia is different. It is characterized by its power, inordinate anxiety and, therefore, it interferes with the normal development of a person’s life.

In children, the phobias that can manifest are diverse. The most common are claustrophobia (fear of being locked up), nyctophobia (fear of the dark), phobia of clowns and phobia of school, among others.

Symptoms of phobia in children

In general, what a child suffers from when they are in the presence or contact of an insect is not much different from what happens to people with phobias. The feelings can be summed up in the following list:

• Physical symptoms:  shortness of breath, tachycardia, tremors, dizziness and vomiting, heavy sweating and tightness in the chest. In addition, other symptoms specific to each individual may also appear.
• Emotional symptoms:  paralyzing panic, strong desire to escape, fear of losing control of oneself or even fear of dying. This is a very scary situation and almost impossible to control and hide.

Causes of insect phobia in children

A primary reason for the appearance of insect phobia in children is a traumatic experience. In our childhood, we were all victims of ant or wasp stings. For some children, this leaves a stronger mark than for others.

On the other hand, in young children,  the characteristics peculiar to insects can cause very great fear. Think about it: they have a lot of legs, antennae, one or more stingers, wings and even hairs for a few. For the little ones, who are only discovering the world, they are almost miniature monsters !

Moreover, even if it seems exaggerated, many phobias are transmitted to children by their parents. In other words, fears are originally present in parents, but through behaviors, comments and actions, they are also sown in the minds of children.

Likewise,  other factors in the children’s environment can influence the construction of phobias. This is why it is extremely important to monitor the content they choose, both on television and on the internet.

“Phobias are characterized by their potency, their inordinate anxiety and, therefore, they interfere with the normal development of a person’s life”

How to help the child to overcome the phobia of insects?

The main technique to overcome a fear, and even a phobia, is to face it. Of course, this should not be done abruptly, as it could be a traumatic experience. On the contrary, this process must be done as gradually as possible.

First of all, we can use photos and videos to make first contact. It will be very useful for the child to understand the way of life and behavior of each insect.

Subsequently, a meeting can be made personally but without contact. Observation is a great way to let go of fear little by little.

Later, only when the child is ready, can you help him touch. If he doesn’t feel like it with his hand, he can use a stick or a leaf to get closer. Thus, thanks to these small actions, we will help overcome the phobia of insects in children.

Of course, if this is not enough,  the possibility of resorting to a professional always exists. Psychologists are used to treating small phobias like this in a few sessions.

Finally, it is important to point out three things not to do. Obviously, don’t laugh. Even the slightest offensive comment about this fear, which the child cannot control, can be very damaging to their self-esteem.

Also, don’t underestimate his feelings, and don’t try to think about how to ‘get rid of’ this phobia on his own. On the other hand, adopt an understanding attitude and express through your actions total peace of mind in the presence of these little beings with whom we share the world. In the long run, children will overcome their fear.