Kids’ fears grow up with them. Babies fear loud noises and separation, young kids battle monsters in the dark, and older kids worry about fitting in at school. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about our kids’ fears and how dads can help guide them through it all.  

Why This Matters
When kids are afraid, they need help processing their feelings.

Key Takeaways
-Fear and worry are different: Fear is a present problem while worry is a future problem.

-Bullying is #1: Pew Research conducted between 2020–25 showed virtually all kids fear being bullied.

-Failure is terrifying: As kids age, the idea they won’t succeed becomes a major fear for many kids.

Practical Tips for Dads
When your kids are fearful, try these action steps:

1. 1. Acknowledge Their Fear.
   It’s real to them. Don’t dismiss it. 

2. 2. Ask Why This Scares Them.
   Investigate so you can help them work through it. 

3. 3. Consider Your Words.
   Are you contributing to their fear?
   
   

The next time your kids is afraid of something, ask yourself these questions:
1. Is this immediate?
2. Are they in danger?
3. Why might they be feeling this way?
4. Have I dismissed their feelings?
5. What do I need to say in this moment?

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 02:33 | Childhood Fears That Stick With Us
Movies and early experiences shaped lifelong fears and dads still feel their impact today.

02:33 – 05:36 | Fear of Losing Parents as a Kid
Ted shares how repeated movie themes created deep anxiety about abandonment and loss.

05:36 – 07:11 | Common Fears Kids Have Today
From bugs to loud noises, the dads compare their childhood fears with what scares kids now.

07:11 – 09:01 | When Childhood Fear Turns Serious
Fear shifts as kids grow older, becoming anxiety over change, uncertainty, and the future.

09:01 – 11:54 | Fear vs. Courage: What Dads Should Teach Kids
The hosts explain why fear isn’t weakness and how courage actually develops.

11:54 – 13:36 | How Fear of Failure Starts Early
Small worries can snowball into long-term anxiety about school, success, and identity.

13:36 – 15:32 | How to Talk to Kids About Fear
Instead of dismissing fear, dads can use it to start meaningful conversations.

15:32 – 17:20 | How Parents Accidentally Create Anxiety
Adult stress, language, and reactions can unintentionally make the world feel unsafe to kids.

17:20 – 21:22 | Why Overprotecting Kids Backfires
Limiting risk may feel loving but it often prevents kids from building confidence.

21:22 – End | Helping Kids Build Courage and Resilience
Facing fear head-on helps kids develop bravery, confidence, and emotional strength.

APD Pro Move:
The next time your kids say they’re afraid, tell them about a time you were afraid. Tell them how you showed bravery in the moment and encourage them to do the same.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.