A basic survival mechanism is fear. Fear can grip kids, and stop them from doing everyday things, including going to school. School can be the biggest event in a child's life that they fear and it causes anxiety. The way a parent deals with a child's fear, can help or harm them in the future.

It's important to teach your child how to deal with the feelings of fear. If we ignore them, or force them to "get over it" they can be traumatized. You need to first learn where their fear stems from, and how to help them overcome it. It's important to realize that their fears are real, and they need help to get over it.

Children can have fears of just about anything an adult can, and more. From insects, animals, enclosed areas, heights, to social rejection, their own failure, or speaking in front of people. Fear can start at any age, so if it starts later in life, don't be alarmed. Things that a child may not have been afraid of last month could differ this month.

A few tips to help your child deal with their fears and anxiety:

1. Realize that their fears and anxiety come from the heart, and are very real to your child. You may not feel they are things to be afraid of, but you must acknowledge theirs. Don't make them feel bad for being fearful. Don't make them feel "stupid" for having such fears.

2. After pinpointing what the fear is about, teach your child to be brave. Explain to them that it's ok to be afraid. Everyone feels fear. It's important to be brave. Brave is when you are afraid, but you make yourself do something, because you know it's the right thing to do. Practice different situations of being brave. Reward bravery.

3. If the fear is with school, chances are the child's teacher can help work on the fear while at school. For example, if there is a fear of taking the bus, the teacher may go on the bus with the child, or work with the bus driver to make the child feel more secure. If there is an issue with a student, the teacher can work on that behavior in school too. Teachers are often easy to work with so that your child isn't fearful.

4. Create a schedule, if your child is having issues of going to school. Let them learn that their schedule or ritual is the same each day. Schedules help feel a child feel more secure.

Pinpointing the fear is half the battle. Once you know exactly what is causing the problem you can work on resolving it. Remember to not make your child feel that their fears are "stupid", because that will not help the issue, and could make it worse.

Fear is real. If you have a hard time addressing their fears you may consider seeking professional help. A child gripped with fear, could cause a lot more problems in the future. It's important to deal with the fear as it appears; ignoring it will not make it go away, and could make it worse in the future. Helping your child to deal with their fears as they occur, will make for a happier, healthier, child.