Last summer, a friend gave me a generous gift card at a local, home retailer. I needed some picture frames, or maybe a new rug for the playroom, or maybe some cute fall pillows because I don’t have enough pumpkins in my life.

With two boys in tow and my dreams about how to use the card, I quickly grew doubtful of purchasing anything I wanted. The boys had already engaged excitedly around the display of Halloween inflatables. As we finally wandered past the seasonal items to other departments, I quietly decided I would abandon any idea of buying a sensible home decor purchase. We left the store with a sealed, 10-foot dragon to be unleashed sometime this month.

Betsy Singleton-Snyder's boys love the thrill of Halloween but, like any kids, have fears of their own — ranging from recent violence in the news to their own parents getting sick.

Compared to other possibilities, the dragon was tame. There were witches, zombies, pirates and vampires. I was relieved they had no interest in the extreme ghouls with flesh falling away. The only skull I want to see in my home is my colorful Day of the Dead sculpture I brought home from my church’s service trip to Guatemala.

Truthfully, I’ve never liked being scared. If I’m blowing my hair dry, don’t startle me. If I’m reading a book, don’t suddenly tap me on the shoulder from behind. If I’m in deep Rem sleep, do not say my name sharply, I will scream. I will.

Adults learn to control our fears, yet I know grownups who are afraid of clowns, spiders, elevators and needles. All of us have anxieties, but our children do not have the experience to cope with unfamiliar territory.

My babies were frightened of loud noises, tub drains and storms. Strangers were suspect, as they should be when approaching your tribe. Yes, Santa may be world famous, but not to a baby or wee one. As mine grew, they became more aware they could not control everything. With rich imaginations, they were apprehensive about monsters, the edges beyond the bed, what they couldn’t see in the dark and the eery shadows they could see. By kindergarten, we added to our fears getting lost, getting sick and anything too unpredictable. These days the youngest are worried more about mom and dad getting sick. The oldest is concerned about what his peers think of him, his grades, what the future holds and violence in the news.

All childhood apprehensions are to be expected. How, then, do we help them tame the fear and stoke wisdom? Parents can do a lot to ease fears.

When leaving young children, tell them goodbye; help them learn to trust you will come home. Make certain to give your kids appropriate counsel at all stages, along with opportunities to explore safely. Don’t avoid fear, for it only makes it bigger. Though it is always tempting, don’t overreact. Listen well and verify the fears kids share. Always be vigilant about media content. There’s plenty of time for “Goose Bumps,” or something scarier.

Above all, don’t forget to spot and name the bravery, in their own books and in the behavior of the heroes in our midst.

Betsy Singleton Snyder is a pastor, writer and blogger. She is the author of “Stepping on Cheerios: Finding God in the Chaos and Clutter of Life,” and blogs at WomenadeStand.com, a sassy and spiritual spot to dish on the tartest and sweetest pieces of life, stand up together, and reach out in love.

Betsy and her husband, Dr. Vic Snyder, who formerly served in the U.S. House of Representatives, live in Little Rock with their four sons.