阅读理解。
Almost every child is scared of something, from monsters in the cupboard to dogs in the park. But the
fact that such fears are common and normal doesn't mean they can be taken lightly. Kids experience fears
and phobias (恐惧症) much more strongly than adults. And the influence of the fear can be physical as well
as psychological (心理的). It can build up so they almost seem scared of everything－a kind of childhood
anxiety. Dr. Creswell says: "Your child may always seem to expect the worst to happen and lack confidence
in his or her ability to deal with any challenge." So don't make the same old mistake of treating them as if
they're silly for being a "scaredy cat". Handling the fears is essential.
Children can be born nervous and, if you have such a baby, you'll tend to prevent them from getting
worried. So if they fear dogs, you'll keep them away from dogs, but in fact that can just confirm to the child
that dogs are scary. What is worse, keeping your child away from what they fear can turn that feeling into
a phobia. Instead, you should encourage them to get in touch with the thing they fear, in a safe and supportive
environment. Dr. Andy Field, a researcher of childhood fears, says: "You shouldn't force, for example, a dog
anxious child to go up to a dog. But you can approach it yourself, show them there is nothing to be afraid of,
stroke (抚摸) it, and talk about the dog being friendly. Once your child dares to stroke a dog－one that's good
with children, of course－then you should encourage them to carry on until they feel calmer, and reward them
for 'being brave'."
1. Children's fears are usually taken lightly because ______.
A. they will not develop into phobias
B. their influence is psychological
C. they exist widely in the world
D. they will disappear gradually
2. If we fail to help children to overcome fears, they will ______.
A. make the same old mistake
B. overcome them by themselves
C. experience the worst of things
D. grow up lacking self confidence
3. According to Dr. Andy Field, if a child is afraid of a cat, parents should ______.
A. tell the child not to be afraid of it
B. show the child how to approach it
C. keep the child away from it
D. ask the child to stroke it
