A clown, a Santa Claus or a mascot can frighten children instead of entertaining them… Psychiatrist Dr Claire Lewandowski gives us her advice on how to best react to this fear.
- Up to around 4 years old, children’s imaginations can blend with their reality.
- They may perceive disguised people as threats and danger to them.
- Above all, do not put pressure on them or make fun of their fear because it is very real.
Whether in a shopping mall, an amusement park, or even at the approach of the end of year celebrations, children are confronted with characters in costume who can impress them and even sometimes scare them. However, this is a completely normal reaction, especially in the little ones.
Why is my child afraid?
Until around the age of 4, children have a very vivid overflowing imagination which can blend with their reality. They then perceive this type of character with very exaggerated expressions as being potentially a threat and a danger. At this age, they do not always know exactly what scares them and how to express it, which intensifies their reaction.
How to react when my child is afraid of a mascot?
In order not to traumatize your child and to reassure him sufficiently, do not hesitate at first to adopt a calm behavior so as not to add to his fear. Talk to him to distract him and bring him back to the present by normalizing the event and offer him alternatives such as going to see the character together.
Above all, avoid insisting, putting pressure on him, and even less making fun of him because his fear is indeed real and he does not yet know how to take a step back from his emotions.
Before going to a place where you know he will be confronted with this type of mascot, prepare him to avoid surprise and the unknown. You can also show him pictures, or read stories about this character, or even dress up like him to help him interact through the game.
Finally, show patience and understanding by going gradually and at his own pace so that he can understand his fear.
Find out more: “The monster who did not like to scare” by Séverine de La Croix.
