At around the age of three most children enter into a magical time where the world of make-believe is the order of the day. Imagination and creativity spring to life. Playtime becomes a setting where wonderful dreams and desires are acted out as children learn how to pretend. A few props can transport them to a magic castle or an enchanted forest.
However, this imaginary world is peopled with villains as well as heroes, with wicked witches as well as good fairies. In a world where anything is possible, new fears emerge alongside exciting discoveries. As the imagination blossoms, children who were never frightened of the dark imagine horrors lurking in every shadow. The neighbour's friendly pooch becomes a menacing wolf, an insect a powerful alien!
Most children will develop one or more deep fears to work through. It might be people wearing masks, old people, or people with scars. It might be parents leaving, or burglars coming. It might be imaginary creatures or wild animals.
A natural response for parents who see their children cowering, is to try to talk them out of their fear. However this only increases the imagined possibilities, and causes the children to feel more vulnerable. Ridiculing or threatening children for their fears is even more damaging.