What to do when kids are afraid.

The science of helping kids face fears — without pushing too hard or pulling away.

For some kids, it starts with a whisper:

“Dad… Do I have to? I don’t want to...”

For some, it starts with a shout.

“YOU CAN’T MAKE ME! I WON’T DO IT!”

Sometimes it’s the slide at the pool. Sometimes it’s a thunderstorm. Sometimes it’s a raccoon crawling through their window air conditioner 2.5 stories up.

To an adult, most kid fears seem small, even irratio…