A fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc. -- whether the threat is real or imagined. This is the critical difference for young children; as "magical thinkers," their reality and imagination are often blurred, and that's why fears can seem so overwhelming for them.

When the fear is beyond a child's control or the fear is interfering with daily life, then it has often generalized into a phobia. Fears are normal and vary developmentally. Young children are often fearful of the dark and of new experiences (like a new move in karate). Common early childhood fears include strangers and certain animals or insects; in later childhood, they may become fearful of disasters or burglars.

What is critically important in all of these situations is the caregiver's response: it's important to help your child feel safe, whether you think the fears are justified or not. That fear is very real for your child, so as a parent you need to be respectful and supportive. Usually by talking with your child over time, the fear will dissipate; in the moment, the best response is usually reassurance and, sometimes, helping your child develop a strategy to deal with the issue. Most fears dissipate with time, but when they don't you need to speak with your pediatric clinician.