Molly Wigand - Help is Here for Facing Fear!

Help Is Here for Facing Fear!

Molly Wigand

Illustrated by R. W. Alley

Abbey Press

For my Mom,

Millie Wigand,

who is one brave lady.

A Message to Parents, Teachers,
and Other Caring Adults

Fear and worry have always been part of the human experience. When we were young, we all experienced childhood fears. We wondered what frightening forces lurked in the night. We worried about deathfor ourselves and our loved ones. Some of us feared dogs, some dreaded bathtub drains, and others lived in terror of the vacuum cleaner. These fears, though silly to grown-ups, were real to us.

The fearful aspects of our own growing-up years may seem tame compared to the realities experienced by children today. Yet childrens emotional needs remain the same. Children need to express their anxieties and have their feelings validated by parents, teachers, and friends. Children need the courage to examine their fears and the skills to cope with day-to-day stress. For these important learning tasks and many others, children need caring adults to show the way.

We have a responsibility to equip young people with the psychological and spiritual tools to find a haven of security in an uncertain world. Through word and example, we need to share with our children the healing powers of communication, loving reassurance, and faith.

Our job as parents, educators, and guides is to teach children in our care to transform fears and worries into confidence and optimism. By encouraging little ones to express their fears and guiding them through the uncertainties of these complicated times, we help them find the safe and beautiful places in their lives.

Children deserve the opportunity to experience their world as a friendly place in which to learn and grow. May this book empower them to find their courage and face their fears.

Molly Wigand

Everybodys Afraid Sometimes

B eing human means having many different feelings. Sometimes were happy. Sometimes were sad. Sometimes were friendly. Sometimes were angry. Sometimes were very brave. And sometimes were afraid.

W hen youre a kid, lots of things can seem scary. The world can seem big and loud and dark and confusing.

G rown-ups have fears, too. Movie stars and presidents, football players and ballet dancers, teachers and coacheseveryone in the world is afraid once in a while. But guess what? We can get the help we need to get past our fears and worries.

What Does Fear Feel Like?

W hen youre afraid, your body does weird things. Your palms may get sweaty. Your heart may beat really fast. You might even get a stomachache or a headache. Fear can make you feel dizzy or shaky. It might be hard to breathe. Fear can even make your hands and feet tingle. These are all normal human feelings, and everybody has them at certain times.

W hen you feel this way, talk to a parent or grown-up friend. Sharing your fears can make you feel safer and help your fears to fade away.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Y our imagination can make you feel scared at nighttime. Shadows look creepy. Noises seem spooky. You may be afraid something is hiding under the bed. It might seem like monsters are in your closet.

M aybe you and your mom or dad could bake a special batch of courage cookies for an evening snack. You might want to ask your parents if they were scared of the dark when they were littleand what made them feel less afraid. Let your parents help you look under the bed and search the closets. Pretend that your favorite teddy bear will protect you as you sleep.

A nd when you say your bedtime prayers, remember that God is right there with you and will stay with you through the night.

Whats Real and Whats Pretend?

S ome movies, TV shows, and books can make you feel scared. Its easy to get mixed up about whats real and whats pretend. The scary things you see or read during the day can make you have bad dreams or scary thoughts at night. Let your family help you choose books and movies that arent scary.

I f a TV show or book does scare you, dont keep your fears inside. Let a grown-up know. Together, try to fill your house with peaceful, happy feelings. Laughter works wonders to chase fears away.

The Whole World in Gods Hands

I ts scary to hear about bad things that happen in the worldlike tornadoes, earthquakes, and wars.

B ut Gods love is like an umbrella that can protect us from fear. Even when bad things happen, Gods love is there. And even when we feel afraid, the world is still a beautiful place.

W hen youre scared or worried, think about the family and friends who love you. Enjoy the colors and sounds of nature. Think about all the good things in your life.

If Other Kids Tease You

H ave you ever been called a chicken or a fraidy cat? Its no fun to be teased about your fears.

R ememberwere all brave in different ways. One person may be afraid of deep water, but very brave about going to the dentist. Maybe youre afraid of big, barking dogs, but you arent scared of monsters at all.