is there some psychological reason young children are scared of the dark?

Answers:
they just dont know whats in the shadows.

Other Answers:
Yes. The dark is scary because it's an unknown. Kids(and realy people0 are scared of the unknown.

the darkness in the essence of the unkown and evil, animals won't go into a dark cave, being afraid of the dark is instinct It's not spychological, it's practical. They don't know what's there and if it's going to hurt them. Ergo - fear

its usually because they are very immaginative and they picture scary figures under there beds and in their closets... its completely normal get them a night light and gradually decrease the light in their room... it works

Because they can't see what's going on.

Yeah, it's because the dark is unknowing. Anything can happen and when things are unexpected, they could scare u even more than they could in the light. they dont noe where theyre going nd i think its because they think that there r monstors

Probably because they can't see what is going on around them. Being young there are lots of noises that are strange and unusual which their minds construe to horrible, awful monsters. This isn't just children either. Look to adults. There are adults who have been extremely frightened in dark, scary environments. Walking through an unfamiliar neighborhood, the woods late at night or early in the morning. One strange sound and they become quaking piles of fear.

Human beings are naturally afraid of the unknown. When a child cant see what is around them, it allows the imagination to kick in and create things in the mind of the child, therefor creating the fear.

Fear is something that few people learn to overcome, until people realize that fear is an illusion.

I think the dark is scary when I am alone too. If my husband isn't home, I sleep with the TV on and the hall light on. I can remember when I was little, my mom thought I could get used to the dark by making me sleep in the dark. When she turned off the lights and shut the door, I SCREAMED my head off! I was so scared. I still like to see what is around me. It is very normal to feel like that. If it is a comfort for your child to have light, then please don't MAKE them be in the dark-it is very traumatizing!
Source(s):
I hate the dark when I am alone. fear of the unknown and a need for comfort
you have to show an example of how the dark has good uses here try... late at night.. and ..dreams ..if there's a sleeping problem.....freebie
Source(s):
www.letsreadclyde.com

Because although they use their senses to a greater degree than most adults, they mainly use sight. Take away the sight and they feel worse than blind. I have the opposite question..my 3 year old is mysteriously not afraid of the dark and last night we had several loud t-storms throughout the night. In the morn, my toddler reported to me the sounds that they made with excitement!

night lights

Let's imagine someone five times your size took you into a room full of stuff, took away your ability to see, then walked out and closed the door. Enough said.

More Questions & Answers...

The information provided by website users, we do not guarantee its completeness and accuracy, so it can not be applied in during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

is there some psychological reason young children are scared of the dark?

Pregnancy & Parenting