Pregnancy
Fear of the Dark
Question: My 9-year-old son has certain fears that concern me. He will not go into his room alone, will not walk down the hallway if it is dark, and even sleeps with his 12-year-old sister at night. I want to know if my response to him should be comforting or -- at this point, since there really isn't anything to be afraid of -- should I tell him to grow up and toughen up?
Answer: Your son's behaviors are not typical of nine-year-old boys. Neither being kind and supportive nor being tough and stern, are going to help your son get past his fears. It's time to find some help for him in dealing with his responses.
Talk with the school counselor. She may be able to give your son some individual time or include him in a small group. You will probably want to get some additional help for him outside the school, and the counselor or your pediatrician can refer you to a therapist in your community.
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Barbara Potts has worked as an elementary school counselor for many years. She has a BA in psychology from Wake Forest University, and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
