As salamu alaykum,

Shokran for writing to our live session. I’m sorry to hear your daughter is living in fear.  Being scared of the dark or if new situations and places is common at this age however she is afraid of almost every situation wherein she may be alone.

 

Sister, have you talked to her to try to find out what exactly it is that she is afraid of? When did this start?  Was it a sudden fear she developed or has it been a gradual onset? Has anyone new been in the home?  Is there a chance she was threatened, hurt or otherwise abused by someone that you do not know if?  These are hard questions to ask sister, as a mom, I know. However, as parents things can happen even when we are most vigilant.

 

I am not suggesting that this is the reason or even stating anything happened because we do not know. All I’m asking sister is to please check it out.  By evaluating the above questions you may find out why she is scared and what she is afraid of.

 

While children at this age have very active imaginations it could be that she saw a movie that scared her or her a story that frighten her. Please do ask her about any movies or stories she has seen or heard.  You may wish to engage her in art or coloring projects. Encourage her to give her fear a name such as Mr. Spider etc.    Ask her to color a picture of (name the fear).

 

If she is willing, ask her to tell you 3 things that will happen to her if she is alone and then ask her to draw a picture of each one.  You may wish to then sit with her and color a picture illustrating safeness….that is-things that negate her fears such as a nightlight, your presence in the home, a favorite toy, etc.  By countering her fears with security measures that she can see (a coloring project she can see and keep) this may Insha’Allah be useful as a reminder when she feels fear or is afraid to be alone.

 

Encourage her to do things alone.  Use a timer and ask her to play alone for 3 minutes. When she is done, reinforce this behavior by verbally praising her and giving her a small reward.  Insha’Allah build up the alone time in slow increments until she is comfortable being alone.  Insha’Allah sister this will pass with assurance and patience.  If it does not, or you find a reason to believe she was harmed when you were not around, Please do consult a child therapist in your area for professional help and counseling for her.

 

You both are in our prayers, please let us know how she is doing.