It is okay to be scared
Charlotte’s Web is coming to an end, and we encountered some bittersweet moments. While Wilbur has won the County Fair securing a safe future for Wilbur as Charlotte planned, Charlotte is growing old and tired and dying. This brought up some discomforting emotions, mostly fear and sadness among the children. It is important to teach our children how to cope with feelings of discomfort. We don’t let them sit with the discomfort alone but help them guide through the situation.
It is okay to feel scared and fear is not a bad emotion, it is just an emotion. Together, we need to help children learn to regulate themselves. Here are some dos and don’ts to help children cope with feelings of discomfort.
Avoid downplaying fear, like saying, “There is no need to be scared”. Instead encourage recalling experiences. For example, try saying, “Remember when you were nervous to see the dentist? You were scared but brave and we did it together!”
Avoid making fun or shame, like saying, “You are silly to feel sad about that”. Instead encourage talking about the feeling. For example, try asking, “How do you feel learning that your favorite character in the book is unwell?”
Avoid pressuring, like saying, “You are a big boy now, stop getting scared of the darkness”. Instead create opportunities. Try asking, “I see you are worried about entering the room when it is dark. Would it help if I go with you and stay right beside you?”
Activity: It is okay to be scared
Now let’s do an activity together:
