Helping child overcome fear of bugs

How can I help my preschooler deal with his fear of bugs? He’s always been a little scared of bugs, but recently he was bitten by something at school during break time, and now he gets hysterical every time the class is supposed to go outside. What’s the solution?

It sounds like your child has developed his own version of entomophobia, which is a fear of insects. As you’re finding out, it’s tough to be four or five years old and bugged by bugs. A phobia like this can really put a cramp in your style if you’re a kid who has always enjoyed playing outdoors. Here’s what we would suggest.