Today we're diving into a topic that keeps many parents up at night - childhood fears and anxiety.

Imagine this: It's 2 AM, and you're jolted awake by a blood-curdling scream. Your heart races as you dash to your child's room, expecting to find a burglar or perhaps a particularly menacing spider. Instead, you're greeted by your six-year-old, trembling under the covers, insisting there's a scary thing in the wardrobe. Is this normal childhood fear, or should you ring the local child psychologist at this ungodly hour? Stick around, because we're about to dive into this very question.

In this episode, we'll explore:

- Common Childhood Fears: From fear of the dark to koumpounophobia (fear of buttons), we'll discuss the wide range of fears children experience.

- Age-Related Fears: Learn about typical fears at different developmental stages, such as loud noises for infants and social situations for school-age children.

- Distinguishing Normal Fears from Anxiety: Understand the red flags that might indicate your child's fears have crossed into anxiety territory.

- Statistics and Studies: We'll share insights from recent surveys and studies, including data from the UK's National Health Service and the British Journal of Developmental Psychology

- Practical Strategies: Get actionable tips for helping children manage both normal fears and anxiety, including validation techniques, gradual exposure, and mindfulness practices.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of childhood fears and anxiety, offering insights and practical advice to help you support your child's emotional well-being.