Try to answer the following questions honestly:

If the answer to this question is yes, it's a good bet that your child's fears will resolve before they become a serious cause for concern. This isn't to say that the anxiety should be discounted or ignored; rather, it should be considered as a factor in your child's normal development.

Many children experience age-appropriate fears, such as being afraid of the dark. Most kids, with some reassurance, and perhaps a night-light, will overcome or outgrow it. However, if they continue to have trouble, or there's anxiety about other things, the intervention may have to be more intensive.

If symptoms can be identified and considered in light of your child's everyday activities, adjustments can be made to alleviate some of the stress factors.

If your child's fear seems out of proportion to the cause of the stress, this may signal the need to seek outside help, such as a counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist.

It's a good idea for parents to look for patterns. If an isolated incident is resolved, parents shouldn't make it more significant than it is. However, if a pattern that's persistent or pervasive emerges, you should intervene. If you don't, the phobia will most likely impact your child over time.

You can contact your child's doctor and/or a mental health professional who has expertise in working with children and adolescents.