What type of fear does this advice address?
Fear of animals or insects

Please describe your child's fear and how it is manifested:
Dogs are very scary to my child. Quick abrupt movements, big teeth, and loud barks are particularily frightening to her.

How did/are you help(ing) your child learn to overcome this fear?
Here's what I am doing with my child: Find a friendly dog that you know. With the permission of the dog's owner, introduce your child to the dog. Sometimes a larger dog is calmer than a small dog. Get down at the level of your child and the dog. Hold the dog firmly by the collar. Invite the child to join you in patting the dog on the back, rather than the head. Don't force the child if she is really panicked. Just let her watch you. It may take a few times before your child is comfortable enough to touch the dog.

Your child still might not like dogs, but at least some of the fear will be gone when she can feel more comfortable around them.

This advice is most appropriate for children in...
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School