Age-by-Age Guide to Fears

INFANTS are first frightened by surprises to their senses: Loud noises, bright lights, unexpected movements and unfamiliar faces are the most common culprits. Later in the first year, children may show fear when they believe that their parent or caregiver is about to leave them alone.

TODDLERS (18 to 36 months old) may also become afraid of nighttime darkness and some common but potentially "scary" activities, such as swimming or bathing.

PRESCHOOLERS (three to five years old) may become victims of their own imaginations. They have learned that some things really can hurt them, but they aren't sure which ones. As a result, they become afraid of abstract imaginary things as well as some that are more concrete. Monsters, ghosts and other such creatures can seem very real to children during playtime. But they are especially vivid when the lights go out at night. Nightmares that awaken children from their sleep may arise from daytime fears that pop up during the relaxation of sleep.

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN (six to 12 years old) become afraid of the potential jeopardy to the safety of their homes. They become afraid of fires and burglars. As they grow older, their attention may shift to possible harm outside the home, like the threat of kidnappers. They may also be afraid of the unknown, such as their own death or the death of a loved one. Fears of school failure and the embarrassment of not knowing an answer when called on by a teacher become very realistic concerns.

OLDER CHILDREN (12 to 16 years old) have fears similar to those above, but social concerns, such as dating and peer pressure, and practical worries about family strife can make an adolescent's life very difficult.