Fear of Bugs
Last summer was extra challenging because I had a child that was scared of bugs. At the mere sight of an ant, bee, or any kind of flying creature he would start flapping his arms while emitting blood curdling screams, shaking from head to toe, and sobbing. Every neighbor within a mile thought I was running a torture chamber. Have any of you had similar experiences?
Some children have such a fear of insects that they can actually have a panic attack. Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nausea are symptoms to watch for. This fear may have started by seeing a movie, hearing a bug, being bitten by an insect, or perhaps seeing a friend bitten and witnessing first hand their reaction to the bug. Insect fear can also be caused by an adult who is afraid of bugs and if they tell a child about their fears this could be transferred to their child. Most often, children’s fears stem from the fact that they don’t have an accurate understanding of the thing they are afraid of.
I believe we need to acknowledge their fears, be empathetic and say “I know you hate bugs, I don’t like them either.†Try to find an activity that will take their mind off of bugs while playing outdoors.
It’s a very natural phase for toddlers and preschoolers to fine many things scary. Trying to get them to touch or look at the bug will only increase their fears and this could turn into a life long problem. If you take it slow most kids who were petrified at the sight of a bug will be collecting them by the time they are five or six.
Staying indoors is not an option because that’s not fair to the rest of the kids. When inside we have group discussions about what we could do outside with the bugs and the good things bugs do. Point out that they aren’t going away so we have to find a way to live with them.
Tell the children that Bee’s are just looking for flowers and once they smell you and find out you stink they’ll just fly away, but if we jump around and flap our arms we will get them mad. Tell them to stand still if a Bee comes near them and if they are still scared just come by me and I will keep you safe.
This summer I’m planting butterfly plants near the day care window so the children can watch safely from inside all the bugs that come for a visit. This should help them get over their fears.
We’re also planning some summer art projects that are fun and educational. They will learn how bugs work and live. We’ll read books on how Bees work to make honey, pollinate plants and even bring a honeycomb with honey in and let them sample it on toast. You may want to have a local beekeeper come and talk with the children. Make some bug traps with the kids and if they are brave enough and successful you can put them in a glass jar and study them with a magnifying glass. This is another way to reduce their fears.
Do what ever it takes to make little ones feel safe. They don’t have to like the bugs, just co-exist and have a good time doing it. Go slow and gradually increase their exposure to our many small, colorful, and sometimes pesky friends, and don’t forget to praise them when they are brave. It could be a long, long, summer unless we learn how to enjoy, and not fear our insect friends. Have a great summer.
Patti Jo Lawrenz www.roxysdaycaresupplies.com 952-432-7700
pjltips@aol.com 1-800-244-2440
