Your child is afraid of the unknown and does not always know how to face it.
Being afraid and learning how to face your fear is part of normal child development from the first months. If the fear of clowns or Santa Claus may seem trivial for an adult, in the eyes of children it is not to be taken lightly.
recognize his fear
If for you the cause of his fear may seem ridiculous, for a child, his emotion is very real. He finds it difficult to imagine that a person is hidden under the disguise and can be at a period of his development when he imagines monsters or imaginary creatures more easily, in particular between 2 and 4 years old.
Even if you tell him that monsters don’t exist, you also tell him not to go near strangers. This creates confusion and disorientation in him that can disturb him.
Prepare him for the meeting
Before any meeting with a clown or Santa Claus, prepare your child by explaining to him that he is a nice gentleman on whom children sit to ask him what they want, or that he does magic tricks. Show him books or pictures of him so he becomes more familiar.
If you notice his fear, do not force him to go see the clown or Santa Claus, but let him observe from afar. Hold him in your arms and approach without imposing physical contact. Also let the character show his kindness and use the ripple effect of other children to inspire him to overcome his fear. Gradually he will feel comfortable enough to approach her.
Find out more: “Peppa meets Santa Claus” by Anne Marchand Kalicky and Neville Astley, Hachette Jeunesse
.
