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Latest / Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1156 - From Buttons to Beards: Why Kids Develop Strange Fears (And How to Help)

How to support children through their fears and phobias - whether it's buttons, beards, or anything in between - without escalating their anxiety.

Key Points:

Children's fears, no matter how irrational they seem, are genuinely frightening to them

Trying to have rational conversations with emotional children is counterproductive

Telling children they have "no choice" increases anxiety rather than reducing it

Creating emotional safety must come before addressing the fear itself

Gentle exposure combined with patience is more effective than forced confrontation

Quote of the Episode: "Your child…

The skinny

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