Fear

Although fears are normal in children, strong and irrational fears termed phobias can interfere with a child's normal activities.

An infant is usually fearful of strange faces, loud noises, animals, a dark room and pain. A 6 month old infant can differentiate between  known and unknown faces, but is not able to understand that the unknown faces , but is not able to understand  that the unknown faces may not pose any threat to  to him. After about the age of two, most children start  accepting unfamiliar faces people without any fear.

School children are afraid of death/ darkness, animals, and high places, thunderstorms, lightening and kidnappers.

Management

Make sure nobody laughs or make fun of child's fears.  Help him get over the fears by providing support. Hold the child's hand in a dark place. If he is afraid of , say snakes, let him first see pictures  of snakes. Let him than see someone holding a non- poisonous snake. Let the child than touch it if  he is willing.

Gandhiji was taught to recite  God's name  whenever  he felt is fearful of the dark. 

If your child is phobic, consider taking  the help of a counselor.