My son has a real fear of bugs. Nothing has happened with him and bugs and part of his fear relates to his pervasive development. But those of you with knowledge, what is the latest thought on dealing with fears. Right now I try hard to help him deal with this. For example, he was pretty sure he saw a bug on the stairs, it was a wood chip from the playground, but he was paralyzed with fear and would not/could not move from the entry. Was crying so loud, please carry me mom, please carry me. My current method is to take him by the hand and gently lead him, and show him that I will help when he needs it. We go each step and declare it bug free, I literally have to step his feet up each step ( i must say boy are my stairs clean now!). I wonder if we need desentized or something? We are moving to texas from ohio and I hate to think about this, but EVERYTHING is bigger in texas, those roaches could move a house!

By Cybermommyx4 on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 - 10:44 pm:

Kaye - I feel for you (AND especially your son!) LOL I have always had an extreme fear of bugs, especially spiders. My mom tells horror stories of me screaming in the middle of the night as a toddler because the knots in the pine wood paneling where we were living at the time looked like "bugs" and I REFUSED to believe they were not! I am still very afraid of spiders- always will be. BUT, the good news is I live in Northern New Hampshire and we are not plagued by any poisonous bugs, and don't have to worry about roaches, etc. My biggest nemeses are the large barn spiders that take up residence under the eaves and behind the shutters (But the local garden center has a wonderful spray that DH only has to use once per season to get rid of them for the summer) I know, I'm only rambling and not offering any real advice, LOL! Just wanted to let you know your ds is not alone ;)

By Feonad on Thursday, April 3, 2003 - 07:30 am:

I would ask the teacher what she suggests. I see he is very afraid, but I don't think you can declare the world bug free in the summer!

By Feonad on Thursday, April 3, 2003 - 07:30 am:

Cute books about bugs?

By Feonad on Thursday, April 3, 2003 - 07:34 am:

Ball with a bug on it. I am afraid to suggest anything because I wouldn't want to freak him out too much!


I think you go from fun pictures of bugs to fun plastic bugs to bug collecting.

By Trina on Thursday, April 3, 2003 - 08:01 am:

My DD sometimes freaks when she sees bugs in the house. Here's a helpful article, but it sounds like you're already doing what they suggest.

Fear of Bugs

How can I help my child get over her fear of bugs? Ages 6 to 8

For now, your job is to acknowledge her anxiety and help her feel more comfortable with creepy crawlies. Encourage her to talk about what scares her and reassure her that you understand why she's frightened. Resist the urge to laugh even if her fear of flies seems a bit silly. If she has had an unfortunate encounter with a bee, she's got ample ammunition for her aversion. Recognize that contact with some critters can indeed hurt, but do so in a calm, matter-of-fact fashion. Be sure to point out examples, such as fireflies and butterflies, which are beautiful and harmless. Check out bug books from your local library, then sit down together to read about the wonders of the insect world. The more she understands about spiders and their habits, the less fearful she's likely to be. Taking a trip to an insect exhibit at a natural history museum is another "safe" way to expose your child to beetles and bugs. You can also casually introduce her to insects on your walks together — just don't overreact when you encounter something that stings. Say, "Look at that lovely blue dragonfly." And, "Watch out for the wasp." In their own time, most kids combat this angst and go on to become fascinated with everything six-legged and small. Your child may wind up keeping worms or collecting cocoons for pets. So if a moth lands near her now, go ahead and help her shoo it out a window. Eventually she'll learn to appreciate these creatures of nature.

By Kaye on Thursday, April 3, 2003 - 08:34 am:

We have plastic bugs, bug clothes etc, he loves those, it is just the real thing that terrifies him. I hope this is one of those things that too shall pass!