Many children have a fear of the dark. Like many fears, it is irrational, but children who have this fear need empathy and reassurance. For early years practitioners, this means offering a listening ear, validating the child's feelings and providing opportunities for the fear to be explored, explained and discussed.
Stories are an invaluable vehicle for exploring such issues. They offer a safe and supportive context in which to discuss what is frightening, and how the fears may be managed and perhaps even overcome. It is easy to talk about the characters in a storybook; they offer reassurance that the child in question is not alone, and that others share their feelings. Many children will find it easier to discuss their fears through such a medium. Stories provide a shared context which allows children to reflect on their own experiences and develop new understandings.
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