Helping kids overcome their fear of sharks and other ‘scary’ animals

Animal experts weigh in on how to show children there’s nothing to be afraid of.

If a fin rising out of the water sends a chill down your spine, it’s likely that your kids might also find sharks a little scary—along with creatures like snakes, spiders, and bees. The good news is that experts say people have little to fear from these animals. Likewise, there’s a lot to be gained from getting your kids over such animal-related anxieties.

“If your kid is afraid of the water, they’re not going to experience all the other things that the oceans have to offer,” says Jasmin Graham, a marine biologist at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Florida. “The last thing you want to do is take that away from your kid.”

The earlier you can expose your

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

Keep your kids from bugging out over insects
Scary fun: Why kids should play in the dark
Helping kids deal with animal exploitation on social media