Which statement best describes fear in the school-age child?

A) They are increasingly fearful for body safety.
B) Most of the new fears that trouble them are related to school and family.
C) They should be encouraged to hide their fears to prevent ridicule by peers.
D) Those who have numerous fears need continuous protective behavior by parents to eliminate these fears.

During the school-age years, children experience a wide variety of fears, but new fears relate predominantly to school and family. During the middle-school years, children become less fearful for body safety than they were as preschoolers. Parents and other persons involved with children should discuss children's fears with them individually or as a group activity. Sometimes school-age children hide their fears to avoid being teased. Hiding their fears does not end them and may lead to phobias.