Managing Fear (Evidence-Based Tips)
7 Research-Backed Tips for Parents & Guardians on Managing Fear
Fear is a fundamental and normal human emotion that serves a protective purpose, helping young people navigate challenges. However, when fear becomes overwhelming or prevents learning and social participation, it requires management.
Within Robert Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions, fear stands opposite to anger. While anger prepares us to confront, fear prepares us to protect. Both emotions are necessary for survival. Problems arise when fear becomes overwhelming or persistent and begins to interfere with learning, social participation, or emotional development.
The EMBRACE project demonstrates that managing fear helps children communicate better and participate fully in learning and social life. Based on current research in child psychology and emotional regulation, the following seven strategies offer practical, evidence-based guidance for caregivers supporting children in building resilience around fear.
Tips:
- Teach threat-discrimination
Many children fear neutral situations because the brain generalises danger. Helping them distinguish real threats from imagined ones reduces fear responses.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health; child anxiety guidance
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet
- Practice gradual exposure in small, safe steps
Fear decreases when a child approaches the feared situation in controlled increments. This interrupts the avoidance loop.
Source: PMC; Optimising Exposure for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety, OCD and PTSD: A Systematic Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8131290/
- Use “name the fear” labelling to reduce physiological arousal
Labelling a fear lowers amygdala activity and helps the child feel control over the emotion.
Source: APS; ‘That Giant Tarantula Is Terrifying, but I’ll Touch It’ – Expressing Your Emotions Can Reduce Fear
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/that-giant-tarantula-is-terrifying-but-ill-touch-it-expressing-your-emotions-can-reduce-fear.html
- Build a “brave plan” before the feared situation
Planning small actions ahead creates predictability and reduces anticipatory fear.
Source: Psychology Today; 10 Better Ways to Help an Anxious Child Calm Down
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/joyful-parenting/201903/10-better-ways-to-help-an-anxious-child-calm-down
- Teach relaxation techniques that specifically counter fight-or-flight
Slow breathing and muscle relaxation reduce sympathetic activation which drives fear.
Source: American Psychological Association; breathing and relaxation for anxiety
https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/pdf/my-anxious-mind-sample-pages.pdf
- Use co-regulation through caregiver presence
Fear drops when a trusted adult sits close, mirrors calm breathing or gently narrates what is happening.
Source: Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Co-regulation: Helping children and teens navigate big emotions
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/co-regulation-helping-children-and-teens-navigate-big-emotions-202404033030
- Encourage curiosity about the feared thing
Turning fear into exploration helps reframe the threat response and reduces avoidance.
Source: Child Mind Institute; How to Help Children Manage Fears
https://childmind.org/article/help-children-manage-fears/
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Resources & Partners
Managing fear through gradual approaches helps children face challenges with confidence and supports emotional growth.
Watch our video on Fear:
Partners: Fundatia Serviciilor Sociale Bethany (FSSB), Fundatia de Sprijin Comunitar (FSC), Asociatia “Bună Ziua, Copii din România”` (BZRO), Federatia Organizatiilor Neguvernamentale pentru Copil (FONPC) and Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EAC)
