May 7, 2026, 9:40 a.m.
Some childhood fears are more than temporary worries and may be signs of a specific phobia. Suzanne Thompson, PhD, pediatric psychologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses the symptoms of specific phobias and how parents can support their children.
- For children with phobias, talking about or experiencing a particular situation may cause them to cry, freeze, or have a tantrum.
- When a child’s fear leads them to persistently avoid situations, they may have a specific phobia.
- Phobias often develop by age 10.
- Common phobias include:
- Fear of animals, like dogs or snakes.
- Fear of the natural environment, such as storms.
- Fear of blood, shots, or injuries.
- Fear of specific situations, like driving.
- Phobias are different from age-typical developmental fears because they significantly impair a child’s daily life.
- A child may talk a lot about the fear, have trouble sleeping, become distracted at school, or have physical symptoms.
- Parents should not allow children to avoid fearful situations. Instead, they should seek opportunities for gradual exposure to it.
- Parents should acknowledge a child’s fear or show support while making it clear that they’re not in danger.
- The most effective professional treatment for phobias is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy called exposure and response prevention.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, talk to their pediatrician. Need help finding a pediatrician? We’re here to assist. Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a provider.
